Antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba-alba and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essentials oils on malathion-induced reproductive damage in rat

Malathion (M) is an organophosphorus pesticide of utmost concern because of its adverse effects on non-targeted organisms. It is well-known for its anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and its negative effects on the liver, pancreas and the immune, hematological and reproductive systems. Natural antioxidants including phenolics, essential oils and vitamins, among others, might have protective effects on the toxicity of malathion. The intent of this study was to examine whether the treatment with Artemisia herba-alba (AhaEO) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (EcEO) essential oils may be useful to overcome the deleterious effects of malathion administration on reproductive function in male rats. Depending on what group they were in, the following dosages were administered to rats via oral gavage for 21 days: only malathion at a dose of 200 mg kg(-1) b.w.; malathion (200 mg kg(-1) b.w.) following treatment with either AhaEO or EcEO (50 mg kg(-1) b.w.); only AhaEO or EcEO. The results indicate that malathion affects the male reproductive system by the reduction of epididymal sperm count, motility and viability, and by increasing abnormal sperm morphology. These effects were tightly associated with oxidative stress, as revealed by the significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the decrease in thiol groups (SH) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the testis and epididymis of M-treated rats. Essentials oils of AhaEO and EcEO prevented testicular and epididymis oxidative damage, as evidenced by reduced MDA and H2O2 levels, and improved total sperm motility, viability and morphology in rat spermatozoa. Our study shows that AhaEO and EcEO can offer protection against malathion-induced reproductive toxicity via their potent antioxidant activity, and may become a potential treatment for male infertility associated with malathion exposure.