iarmsIARMSIARMS2709-3255https://doi.org/10.47310/iarms.2023.v04i02.013The prophylactic effects of silymarin extract against the nanocadmium-induced intoxication of the reproductive system in male ratsNajlaaO. H.AljuburySalimHusseinJariCollege of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, IraqDepartment of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al- Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, IraqIntoxication by heavy metals is a major health issue, especially in poorly developing countries. The presented study, herein, was developed to identify critical prophylactic effects of silymarin extract (SE) against the nanocadmium (NCd)-induced intoxication of the reproductive system in male rats, manifested by sex hormonal and antioxidant features. The experiment was conducted by using 60 male rats (190 ±10gm and 90 days of age). These rats were separated into six groups (10 rats/group). These groups were a control (CL) group that received distilled water only, a group that received 10mg/kg NCd (10NCd group), a group that received 200mg/kg SE (200SE group) for 28days. In addition, a group that received 10mg/kg NCd for 14 days then 200mg/kg SE for 14 days (NCdSE group). Moreover, a group that received 200mg/kg SE for 14 days then 10mg/kg NCd for 14 days (SENCd group). The last group received both substances in a combination (CBT group) for 28 days. All groups received the treatment compounds using oral gavage. After the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all groups to measure hormonal changes (FSH, LH, and testosterone) and antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress marker, which included superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results demonstrated that the groups exposed to NCd revealed significant (p<0.05) decreases in the levels of the hormones. However, these levels were significantly (p<0.05) repaired when SE was used, especially in the SENCd group, in which SE was used first for 14 days. The findings recorded that the groups exposed to NCd revealed significant (p<0.05) decreases in the levels of the SOD and GSH and increases in the levels of MDA. However, these levels were significantly (p<0.05) corrected when SE was used, especially in the SENCd group, in which SE was used first for 14 days. The present study results provide important prophylactic features of silymarin extract against the nanocadmium-induced intoxication of the reproductive system in male rats.