Effect of Aqueous Extract of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Root on Sperm Parameters, Testicular Tissue and Testosterone in Adult Mice Exposed to Diazinon

OBJECTIVE: the effects of diazinon (DZ) on some sperm parameters, testicular tissue and testosterone of mice and the effect of Cichorium intybus L. root extract (chicory extract) on reducing its effects were studied. Material and Methods: 70 adult male balb/c mice were studied in five treatments (control, DZ, chicory, two compounds of DZ and chicory) in vitro. DZ toxin was injected intraperitoneally at 30 mg/kg for one month (5 consecutive days and 2 days rest) and concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg chicory extract were fed. The effects of DZ and chicory pretreatment on sperm parameters, testicular tissue and testosterone were investigated. Results: DZ showed a significant effect on all parameters of sperm, testicular tissue and testosterone (P<0.01). DZ reduced sperm viability by 62% but pretreatment with 100 mg/kg chicory extract reduced approximately 24% of DZ effects. Straight moving decreased and zig-zag moving, vibrating and non-motile motility increased in sperms. The greatest effect of DZ on sperm morphological abnormalities was increased sperms with tail malformations. Exposure to DZ decreased the sperm count by more than 70%. In addition, weight, size, Leydig, spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and spermatid cells and serum levels of testosterone were decreased (P<0.01). Chicory extract at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P<0.01) reduced the effects of DZ but on increasing the dose, its detoxifying effect is reduced. Conclusions: Exposure to DZ reduced male fertility. Chicory extract at a concentration of 100 mg/kg can reduce the detoxifying effect of DZ.