Adverse effects of Zataria multiflora boiss on epididymal sperm quality, and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate adverse effects of Zataria multiflora essential oil on epididymal sperm quality, and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice. Methods: The study comprised of four different groups of twelve mice as follows: Group N (Normal) and group Cu (Copper) received pure drinking water, while Groups Z (Zataria multiflora) and T (Zataria multiflora treated animals) received Zataria multiflora essential oil (800 ppm, per day) during experiment period in drinking water. Group Cu and T treated by gavage with copper sulfate at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day (0.2 ml) for 6 weeks, while group N and Z received the same volume of distilled water by gavage during experiment period. Results: The data obtained shows that sperm concentration, motility and viability in treatment group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in comparison with group Cu during experimental period. The testes of group T showed varying degrees of degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules and spermatozoa, and were lined by sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes. Conclusion: Results showed that Zataria Multiflora essential oil at a dose of 800 ppm has synergist toxic effect with copper sulfate at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day.