Sophora pachycarpa Root Extract has Ameliorative Effects on Testicular Injury but is Hepatotoxic in Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxicated Rats

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes damages to the testicles, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain. In the present study, we investigated protective effects of Sophora pachycarpa Schrenk ex C.A.Mey. root extract on testicular damage, liver histopathology and sex hormone levels in CCl4 intoxicated male rats. Methods: In present study the rats were divided into 6 experimental groups (n=6): 3 groups as pre-treatment groups that received doses of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg/days of S. pachycarpa extract respectively by gavage for 21 days before intraperitoneal injection of 500 mu l/kg CCl4. CCl4 group received 500 mu l/kg CCl4 on the day of 21. Post-treatment group received 100 mg/kg/day S. pachycarpa for 10 days and 12h after injection of 250 mu l/kg CCl4. Control group received 1ml distilled water for 21 days. Liver and testis tissues were sampled for microscopic examination and sex hormone levels in the serum were evaluated. Results: Treatment of S. pachycarpa root extract (250 mg/kg) lead to a considerable improvement in the histopathological changes caused by CCl4 in the testis. However, the extract (250 mg/kg) caused inflammation and adverse tissue effects in liver. Serum levels of hormones also increased significantly in pre-treatment groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, the S. pachycarpa extract can improve the changes caused by CCl4 in the testis and sex hormones levels. But its higher doses can cause adverse effects in liver tissue.