L-Arginine, Quercetin and Their Combination on Testicular Function and Sexual Behaviors in Rats

Abstract

L-arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in biologic system. NO, being a free radical may induce some cytotoxic cascades related to impaired spermatogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of L-arginine, quercetin and their combination on the histology of the testes, oxidative stress biomarkers, hormones, sperm parameters and sexual behaviors in rats. 35 adult male rats divided into seven groups were used. A (Control), B (Sildenafil treated, 1.4mg/kg/day), C (L-arginine treated, 30 mg/kg/day), D (L-arginine treated, 100 mg/kg/day), E (Quercetin treated, 10 mg/kg /day), F (L-arginine, 30 mg/kg/day and Quercetin, 10 mg/kg/day) co-administrated, G (L-arginine, 100 mg/kg/day and Quercetin, 10 mg/kg/day) co-administrated. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and the histology of the testes, oxidative stress biomarkers, hormonal assay, sperm parameters and some sexual behaviors were done. The results obtained from the study showed that L-arginine has a relatively adverse effect on spermatogenesis which was improved by co-administration with Quercetin. The findings from this study suggests that synergism between L arginine and Quercetin can improve spermatogenesis as well as sexual behaviors in rats.