THE RADIO-PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA AGAINST MOBILE PHONE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION-INDUCED INFERTILITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Introduction: The study was aimed at knowing the effect of mobile phone electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on fertility in Wistar Albino Rats and to assess the capability of polyphenolic rich Withania somnifera root extract in shielding rat testis against EMR-induced injuries. Methodology: One hundred and forty-four male Wistar Albino Rats were included in the study and grouped in to 4. Group I received a standard diet, Group II exposed to active mobile phone radiation of 2700 MHz fields for 3 hours/day, Group III exposed to 2700 MHz fields for 3 hours/day along with administration of 250 mg/kg aqueous extract of Withania somnifera root (Aq-Wsr) orally and Group IV received standard diet and 250 mg/kg Aq-Wsr during the experimental period of 180 days. Results: Group-II showed a significant decline in the sperm parameters and reduced in-vivo antioxidants. Group III revealed significant augmentation of sperm parameters and regulated the in vivo antioxidants. On microscopic examination, Group II showed irregular seminiferous tubules, atrophy of spermatogonial cells, hyper-cellularity, degenerated spermatozoa, and decreased number of Leydig cells. Conclusion: This research concludes that long-term exposure to EMR results in testicular trauma, which was statistically significant in sperm parameters and microscopic changes of testis in Group II. This study also proved the shielding effect of Withania somnifera root extract against EMR. Keywords: Infertility, electromagnetic radiation (EMR), Withania somnifera, Sperm morphology, Leydig cells, albino rats, antioxidants.