Protective Effects of Apple Peel Extract (Malus sylvestris Mill.) on the Sperm Quality and Testicular Histology in Mice Borax-Induced

Abstrak

Borax, a toxic material, can disrupt the testes, hypothalamus, and spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system, leading to infertility. Apple peel contains quercetin, a substance crucial for boosting antioxidant levels and preventing free radical damage. The study aimed to assess the impact of apple peel extract on spermatozoa quality and testicular histology in borax-induced mice. The study utilized a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatment groups and five replications of each group: C- (without treatment), C+ (Borax), T1, T2, and T3, where borax was administered alongside various doses of apple peel extract: 0,2 mg, 0,4 mg, and 0,8 mg respectively. Testicular sections were collected for histopathological analysis and caudal epididymal sections for sperm quality assessment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT tests using SPSS 23. The results showed that apple peel extract significantly increased the quality of mice spermatozoa in borax-induced mice (p<0.05). Apple peel extract to borax-induced mice also positively affected testicular diameter and weight, as well as the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the number of Leydig cells. The optimal dose of apple peel extract in improving the quality of spermatozoa and testicular histology of mice was found to be0.4 mg / 20g BW.