Abstract

Overdose and long term use of paracetamol caused testicular toxicity by its toxic oxidative metabolites. Red onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) bulbs are rich in quercetin, a strong antioxidant flavonoid which plays a crucial role in cell defense system against oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to determine the attenuating effect of A. ascalonicum juice on testicular toxicity induced by paracetamol (0.05 g/100 gBW) in male mice. Blood testosterone and seminal analysis were assessed for testicular toxicity. A significant decrement of blood testosterone and seminal quality impairment were found in groups which received paracetamol. Interestingly, both groups that pre-received A. ascalonicumjuice at dose 0.5 and 1.0 g/100 gBW for 4 days and concurrent received paracetamol for 14 days revealed a significant increase of blood testosterone and seminal quality improvement in all parameters by increasing total sperm counts, percentage of viable sperms and normal motile sperms, but decreasing percentage of abnormal morphology sperms when compared with the paracetamol treated group. These results indicated that administration of red onion juice can alleviate testicular toxicity induced by paracetamol.

Key words: Allium ascalonicum L., paracetamol, seminal quality, testosterone.