Avicenna Veterinary Research

Avicenna Veterinary Research

The Effects of Saccharin and Hydroalcoholic Extract of Stevia rebaudiana on the Reproductive System in Adult Male Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2 Department of Basic Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
3 Department of Basic Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22084/avr.2026.32460.1034
Abstract
The increasing consumption of arti cial sweeteners such as saccharin has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on male reproductive health. Natural alternatives like Stevia rebaudiana may offer safer options. This study aimed to investigate the effects of saccharin and hydroalcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana, both individually and in combination, on reproductive parameters in adult male rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): control (distilled water), saccharin (5 mg/kg body weight), stevia (400 mg/kg body weight), and saccharin+ stevia (5 mg/kg + 400 mg/kg body weight) administered via gavage for 48 days. Following treatment, testicular biometric parameters, sperm parameters (count, viability, motility, DNA damage, morphology), histomorphometry (tubular differentiation index, repopulation index, spermiogenesis index, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, testicular capsule diameter), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. Saccharin treatment signi cantly decreased sperm count, viability, and motility (p<0.05 ), increased DNA damage and abnormal sperm percentage (p<0.05 ), reduced tubular differentiation index, repopulation index, and spermiogenesis index (p<0.05), decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium height (p<0.05 ), and elevated MDA levels (p<0.05 ) compared to the control group. Co-administration of stevia with saccharin ameliorated these adverse effects, with parameters approaching control group levels. Saccharin induced oxidative stress and detrimental effects on male reproductive parameters in rats. Stevia rebaudiana extract demonstrated protective properties, potentially through antioxidant mechanisms and improved testicular blood ow, suggesting its suitability as a safer alternative sweetener with reproductive health benefits
Keywords

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