Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is potentially carcinogenic to humans. It is also a food toxicant, geno-neuro and reproductive toxicant to wide variety of laboratory animals. ACR stimulates release of free radicals, which cause oxidative stress inducing many toxic effects in body, particularly testis. Antioxidants are known to decrease the toxic effect of ACR and Ferula hermonis Boiss root extract is a known natural antioxidant. This study investigates the antioxidant effect of Ferula sp. root extract on acrylamide induced testicular toxicity in male rats. Sixteen adult male virgin Wister rats were used and divided into four groups (control, ACR, ACR+Ferula sp., Ferula sp.). Histopathological studies for the right testis and caudal sperm count were carried out. Significant reduction in sperm count and testosterone serum level was found in ACR treated group. However, histopathological study did not show significant difference between ACR and ACR+Ferula sp. groups. ACR produced histopathological changes in testes and liver of rats. Ferula sp. root extract can be used as a weak antioxidant against ACR induced testicular toxicity. We recommend restriction of ACR in food and use of Ferula sp. plants with caution especially in patients with impotence.