Effect of D-Limonene on the Age-Related Androgenic Changes in Male Rats

Abstract Background: Aging has deteriorating effects on physio-logical functions of many organs including the sex organs, which are suggested to be due to oxidative stress. D-limonene which is an extract from the peel of Citrus plants, has multiple therapeutic properties, mainly due to its antioxidant capacity. Aim of Study: Was to detect the androgenic changes in aging male rats and trying to find out the possible beneficial effects of D-limonene on these androgenic changes. Material and Methods: 32 male rats were divided into 2 main groups; adult sexually mature group and old aged group. Each group was subdivided into; control subgroup and sub-group supplemented with D-limonene for 4 weeks. Blood samples, dissected testes and epididymides were used for detection of oxidative stress markers, sperm analysis, androgen receptors by immunohistochemistry and histopathological examination. Results: The control old aged rats showed significant decrease in all sperm parameters, androgen receptors, antioxi-dants and testosterone levels as compared with the adult ones. Amazingly, supplementation of D-limonene corrected all these aging inducing effects on androgenic capacity which may be attributed to its antioxidant ability. This improving effect was proved by more spread of androgen receptors in rats' epidi-dymides with improving count and morphology of sperms. Conclusion: Supplementation of D-limonene daily to rats, especially the old aged ones could protect the sexual organs from aging oxidative stress inducing deterioration of its physiological functions. So, we recommend in this study to add limonene to the diet of old age men and those who exposed to chronic stress in their lives to save, to some extent, their androgenic capacity which may help in treating many cases of male infertility.