Caspian Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Caspian Journal of Veterinary Sciences

The protective effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on reproductive complications induced by experimental cholestasis in adult male rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2 Department Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract
Cholestasis is a complex hepatobiliary disorder characterized by impaired formation and secretion of bile, leading to the accumulation of toxic bile acids and consequent injury to hepatic and extrahepatic organs, including the reproductive system. Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) is a medicinal plant containing hyperforin, hypericin, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may confer protection against cholestasis-induced reproductive dysfunction. The present study evaluated the protective effects of H. perforatum extract on reproductive complications induced by experimental cholestasis in adult male rats. Twenty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, sham-operated, Bile duct ligation (BDL), and cholestasis + treatment. Experimental cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation. Animals in the treatment group received H. perforatum extract orally for four weeks post-surgery. At the end of the experimental period, testicular histopathology and sperm count were assessed. BDL-induced cholestasis resulted in severe testicular degeneration accompanied by a significant reduction in sperm count. Treatment with H. perforatum significantly improved testicular histoarchitecture and restored sperm count compared to untreated cholestatic animals (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that H. perforatum exerts protective effects likely mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, modulating oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways involved in cholestatic injury.
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Subjects

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 November 2026

  • Receive Date 21 July 2026
  • Revise Date 07 August 2026
  • Accept Date 07 August 2026