protective effect of royal jelly on the sperm parameters and testosterone level and lipid peroxidation in adult mice treated with oxymetholone

objectives: the aim of the present study was to evaluate protective effect of royal jelly on sperm parameters, testosterone level, and malondialdehyde (mda) production in mice. materials and methods: thirty-two adult male nmri mice weighing 30±2 g were used. all the animals were divided into 4 groups. control group: received saline 0.1 ml/mouse/day orally for 30 days. royal jelly group (rj): received royal jelly at dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 30 days orally. oxymetholone group: the received oxymetholone (ox) at dose of 5 mg/kg daily for 30 days orally. royal jelly+oxymetholone group: received royal jelly at dose of 100 mg/kg/day orally concomitant with ox administration. sperm count, sperm motility, viability, maturity, and dna integrity were analyzed. furthermore, serum testosterone and mda concentrations were determined. results: in oxymetholone group, sperm count, motility as well as testosterone concentration reduced significantly (p<0.05), while significant (p<0.05) increases in immature sperm, sperm with dna damaged, and mda concentration were announced in oxymetholone group in comparison with control group and royal jelly+oxymetholone group. rj caused partially amelioration in all of the above- mentioned parameters in royal jelly+oxymetholone group. conclusion: in conclusion, rj may be used in combination with ox to improve ox-induced oxidative stress and male infertility.