The Role of Lepidium Sativum as Free Radical Scavenger in Laboratory Mice

Abstract

Background: Lepidium sativum is a by-product remaining after the oil is extracted from Garden cress seeds. This herb is considered one of the popular medicinal herbs used in Arabian countries and has traditionally been used to control many clinical problems. The present study aims to uncover these seeds' free radical-scavenging properties and their Role in improving the testicular tissues and seminal properties.

Material and Methods: Thirty-two sexually mature mice were used, and the treated groups were divided into three groups; the first one (G1) was treated with 0.1 ml of GC seed extraction in a dose of 5mg/kg BW, the second one(G2) was treated with 0.1 ml sodium nitrate as oxidant, and the last treated group (G3) was treated with 0.1 ml of GC seed extraction after one hour of injection of 0.1 ml sodium nitrate.

Results: The results showed improvement of the testicular tissue and a significant elevation in sperm viability, in addition to significant enhancements of RBC count and Hb concentration. By its Role as a free radical scavenger, sodium nitrate removed the negative effect on blood parameter values.