Abstract
Background:
Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a chemical substance used to enhance taste, add color, and keep food products fit for consumption for a longer time. NaNO2 gives rise to a negative adverse effect on male reproductive function. Odontonema cuspidatum (OC) is a natural plant that possesses antioxidant capacity.
Aim:
Our research evaluates the potential beneficial effect of Odontonema cuspidatum extract on the harmful effects caused by NaNO2 on the testicular tissue and sperm characteristics of male rats.
Methods:
Four groups with a total of forty rats: the control, the NaNO2-received group, the OC-administered group, and the fourth group received both NaNO2 and OC. All groups were administered daily for two months. Sperm characteristics, testicular antioxidant status and histopathological changes were evaluated.
Results:
Coadministration of NaNO2 and OC, in comparison with NaNO2 alone, contributed to a notable enhancement in acrosomal integrity, decreasing sperm abnormalities and restoring serum testosterone levels. Moreover, such coadministration reduced the oxidative stress marker, MDA, and increased SOD in testicular tissue, lowering TNF-α gene expression, and increasing the expression of P450scc and StAR genes. Additionally, the NaNO2 and OC combination decreased the testicular histopathological changes and the Caspase-3 and PCNA immunoexpression in seminiferous tubules compared with the NaNO2 group.
Conclusion:
The extract of Odontonema cuspidatum exhibited the ability to decrease oxidative stress and ameliorate the detrimental effects caused by NaNO2.

Key words: NaNO2, Odontonema cuspidatum, Food additives, Testicular damage