Abstract

This study investigated the protective effects of Lycium barbarum (goji berry) on sodium dichromate-induced toxicity in terms of functional and reproductive aspects of male sexual dysfunction, antioxidant status, testicular reproductive hormones, and fertility impairments in adult male rats. The hormones assessed in the study included testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as oxidative stress markers (namely, nitric oxide [NO]), antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and parameters of renal function (creatinine and urea). Four groups of twenty-four adult male rats were divided (n=6}/group). For four weeks, the first group was given distilled water as a control; for four weeks, the second group received an oral dose of Lycium barbarum (300 mg/kg body weight); for four weeks, the third group received an intraperitoneal injection of sodium dichromate (10 mg/kg body weight); and for four weeks, the fourth group received an injection of sodium dichromate (10 mg/kg body weight) followed by an oral dose of Lycium barbarum (300 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that the Lycium barbarum-treated group had better renal function (lowered urea and creatinine), increased SOD activity, decreased NO levels, and significantly increased testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. On the other hand, sodium dichromate intoxication increased oxidative stress (NO) and impaired renal function while drastically lowering levels of reproductive hormones and SOD activity. In summary, Lycium barbarum demonstrated protective benefits against oxidative stress and testicular damage caused by sodium dichromate, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent to reduce renal and reproductive toxicity.