Effects of Qustul Hindi (Saussurea lappa L.) Root Extract on Sperm Morphology, Count, and Viability in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.) Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Abstract

Smoking-induced oxidative stress leads to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, reducing spermatozoa viability, morphology, and count. Antioxidants, such as those in Qustul Hindi (Saussurea lappa) root, which are consumed by many Indonesians, can counteract the effects of ROS. This study aims to ascertain how Qustul Hindi root extract affects the morphology, count, and viability of rat spermatozoa exposed to cigarette smoke. A true experimental posttest-only design with control groups was applied. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats (8–10 weeks, 150–200 g) were randomized into five groups: negative control (K1), positive control (K2, smoke exposure only), and three treatment groups (K3–K5) receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW/day of Qustul Hindi root extract, respectively, alongside cigarette smoke exposure. Extracts were administered orally for 35 days. Outcomes were assessed using hemocytometer analysis for sperm count, giemsa-stained smears for morphology, and Eosin Y exclusion test for viability. Results show the lowest abnormal morphology was found in K1 (3.0±0.05 %), while the highest occurred in K3 (22.0±0.11 %). The highest sperm count was observed in K4 (32.69±6.43×10⁶/mL), and the lowest in K5 (11.87±6.76×10⁶/mL). Viability was highest in K4 (69.0±0.07%) and lowest in K5 (42.0±0.14 %). Statistical analysis revealed significant intergroup differences in morphology (p=0.013), count (p=0.000), and viability (p=0.000). As conclusion, administration of the extract at the dosages 50 and 100 mg/kg BW/day improved spermatozoa count and viability, while 200 mg/kg BW/day reduced both parameters. In terms of morphology, 50 and 200 mg/kg BW/day increased abnormalities, while 100 mg/kg BW/day reduced them.