| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Traditionally various human diseases of kidneys, hormonal imbalance and sexual diseases are treated with <it>Launaea procumbens</it> (L). In the present study protective effects of methanolic extract of <it>Launaea procumbens</it> (LPME) was evaluated against CCl<sub>4</sub>-induced oxidative damages in rat testis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To examine the protective effects of <it>Launaea procumbens</it> on testis against oxidative stress of carbon tetrachloride in male rat, 30 male albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups (6 rats). First group was given standard diet and drinking water. Second group received CCl<sub>4</sub> 3 ml/kg intraperitoneally (30% in olive oil). Third and forth were given orally 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., in 99.8% dimethyl sulphooxide (DMSO), <it>Launaea procumbens</it> methanolic extracts (LPME) after 48 h of CCl<sub>4</sub> treatment twice a week and sixth group received only LPME in DMSO at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w., for four weeks. Protective effects of <it>Launaea procumbens</it> were observed on sperm concentration, motility and morphology, serum reproductive hormonal level, activity of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and DNA damages.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results of the present study revealed that treatment of CCl<sub>4</sub> significantly <it>(p < 0.01)</it> reduced sperm concentration and motility comparatively to controls. Level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, were depleted markedly (<it>p <0.01</it>) with treatment of CCl<sub>4</sub>. In addition, CCl<sub>4</sub> induction in rats reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes while increased lipid peroxidation and DNA damages. Co-administration of LPME significantly (<it>p <0.01</it>) improved these alterations in improving of hormonal level, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation near to control rats.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From the results it is suggested that <it>Launaea procumbens</it> methanolic extract has the ability to protect testis against oxidative damages, possibly through antioxidant effects of its bioactive compounds.</p>
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