Garlic effects on reproductive complications of diabetes mellitus in male rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has adverse effects on male sexual and reproductive functions in human and animals. Diabetes results in reduced fertility and libido. Medicinal plants have attracted much attention in controlling many diseases such as diabetes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of garlic juice on testicular damage. Methods: Forty male rats (250 +/- 20) were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1- Group normal (N) 2- Group Normal+Garlic (N+G) received garlic juice for 6 weeks. 3- Diabetic (D) received streptozotocin (STZ), 60mg/kg BW/i.p. 4- Group diabetic+garlic before (D+G(b)) received garlic juice for 3 weeks before STZ injection and continued for more 3 weeks. 5- Group diabetic+garlic after (D+Ga) three days after STZ injection, they received garlic juice for 3 weeks. Garlic juice was given by gavage (1ml/100g BW). Number of leydig cells, testis weight, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were assessed. Results: diabetic rats showed a marked decrease in the number of leydig cells, testis weight, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol. Garlic juice significantly increased the number of leydig cells, testis weight, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in group 4 and 5 compared to group 3. The diabetic group receiving garlic before STZ injection showed more amelioration in complications than that receiving it after STZ injection. Conclusion: these results suggest that garlic juice supplementation could play both preventive and therapeutic role on testicular damage in diabetic rats.