Protective Role of a Medicinal Plant Against Ibuprofen Overdose-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

Ibuprofen (IBU), a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may induce reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress mechanisms. This study investigated the effects of ibuprofen on oxidative stress, reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats, as well as the protective role of green tea extract (GTE). Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups of seven animals each: control, GTE-treated (200 mg/kg), IBU-treated (200 mg/kg), and IBU+GTE. Treatments were administered orally for 45 consecutive days. The results showed that ibuprofen exposure induced significant testicular toxicity characterized by decreased testosterone levels, impaired sperm parameters, oxidative stress imbalance in testicular tissue. Oxidative stress was evidenced by reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and increased catalase (CAT) activity, indicating disruption of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Ibuprofen administration also negatively affected sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. Conversely, co-administration of green tea extract significantly attenuated most of the alterations induced by ibuprofen. Green tea improved antioxidant status, restored reproductive parameters, and reduced histopathological damage in testicular tissue. These protective effects are likely related to the antioxidant properties of green tea polyphenols and catechins, which are capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species and preserving cellular redox balance.

These findings highlight the protective potential of green tea extract against ibuprofen- induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress, suggesting that it may represent a promising

natural therapeutic agent for preventing drug-induced reproductive damage.