The Effect of Silymarin on Spermatogenesis of Male Quails Exposed to Heat Stress

Many factors could impact spermatogenesis. The influence of silymarin on some sexual efficiency, Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, and Johnsen's score alterations in male quails exposed to thermal stress has been studied. Quail were placed into four groups of ten birds each: 1st group control, 2nd group heat-related stress at 42±2 ºC for 4 hours daily, 3rd group heat-related stress at 42±2 ºC for 4 hours daily with 200 mg/kg of silymarin orally. The 4th group received 200 mg/kg of silymarin orally. The heat-related stress group's results indicate a notable drop in sperm count and the percentage of viable sperm, testosterone hormone, luteinizing hormone, glutathione level, foam gland weight, diameter of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, and Johnsen's score and a rise in dead sperm percentage, abnormal sperm percentage, and MDA level relative to control values. Heat stress with the silymarin group existing a notable rise in sperm count, testosterone hormone, foam gland weight, glutathione level, diameter of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and Johnsen's score and a decrease in MDA level compared with the heat stress group, the silymarin group displayed a notable rise in testosterone hormone and glutathione level versus the control group. This study concluded that silymarin has beneficial effects on male quail infertility due to heat stress.