The effects of an Aloe-based polyherbal formulation on fertility parameters in male rats

Objective: Aloe dry juice as a purgative agent is widely used in phytotherapy. In Iranian traditional medicine to decrease Aloe side effects, some plants are added, and this polyherbal formulation is named "Ayarij-e-Faiqra" (AF). Based on the anti-fertility properties of Aloe, this study investigates the anti-fertility effects of Aloe-based polyherbal formulation to find the impact of accompanying plants on the anti-fertility effects of Aloe. Materials and Methods: In this study, forty male rats were classified into the following groups: the control group, the sham group receiving only busulfan carrier solution (DMSO 50%) on days 1 and 21 via intraperitoneal injection, the busulfan group received intraperitoneally 10 mg/kg of busulfan on days 1 and 21, the Aloe group received 25 mg/kg of Aloe-dry juice, and the AF group was administered with 71 mg/kg (containing 25 mg/kg of Aloe dry juice). Treatment was performed by gavage for 56 days. Testis weight and histological alterations, sexual hormone levels (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone), and classical and functional sperm parameters were examined. Results: Our findings showed that AF negatively affects testicular tissue architecture and sperm quality such as count, motility, morphology, and viability which were accompanied by an imbalance of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone hormones. In addition, reaction oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis increased in the sperm cells of the AF group while decreasing their mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusion: The plants presented in the formulation of AF cannot cover the anti-fertility side effects of Aloe.