Anti-mutagenic,immune modulator and fertility effects of rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis)extracts in albino male mice.+CD

The present study was designed to evaluate the immunological, ytogenetic
and fertility effects of two extracts (methanol and hexane) of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves and stems in male albino mice. The immunological parameters included total and absolute counts of leucocytes and phagocytosis, while the cytogenetic evaluation was carried out through the detection of micronucleus formation in polychromatic erythrocytes and spermhead abnormalities. The fertility assessment was considered in terms of sperm count and motility. Additionally, the extracts were subjected to a chemical detection of flavonoids, terpens and steroids. The study was carried out through three stages. In the first, the genetic and immunological effects of three doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) of rosemary extracts and one dose (16 mg/kg) of cyclophosphamide (mutagenic and immune suppressive drug) were investigated, while in the second stage, the fertility effects of these doses were evaluated. In the third stage, interactions (pre- and post-treatments) between the ideal dose (0.1 mg/ kg) of both extracts and cyclophosphamide (16 mg/kg) were carried out. In all cases, the tested materials were injected subcutaneous. Results revealed that the methanol extract was rich in flavonoids, while hexane extract was positive for terpens and negative for steroids. The investigated doses of methanol and hexane extracts showed no mutagenic, immunosuppressive or anti-fertility effects in albino male mice. In contrast, they reduced the spontaneous formation of micronuclei, enhanced the values of immunological parameters (total and absolute counts of leucocytes and phagocytosis), and improved the sperm count and motility. These effects were dose-dependent, and the dose 0.4 mg/kg was effective in these regards. However, in the interaction treatments (pre and post) with the mutagenic and immune suppressive drug (cyclophosphamide), the employed dose (0.1 mg/kg) of both extract failed to reduce the drug effects.