Mega Oyovwi - Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.

Background: Reproductive damage from sodium fluoride exposure is a concern, but there's limited scientific data on the synergistic effect of Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E. A potential remedy could include Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E supplementation, but further research is needed. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E on the reproductive damage induced by sodium fluoride exposure. Different treatment protocols were employed, such as administering drugs alone, preventive measures, and reversal approaches. Methods: In the drug alone or preventive-protocol, rats received oral treatment of Saline (۲ mL/kg), Homtamin ginseng (۴۰ mg/kg/day), vitamin E (۱۵۰ mg/kg/day) or both alone repeatedly for ۲۸ days, or in combination with sodium fluoride (۱۰۰ ppm/kg/p.o./day) from days ۱۵-۲۸. In the reversal-protocol, the animals received NaF for ۲۸ days prior to saline, Homtamin ginseng, vitamin E or Homtamin ginseng + vitamin E from days ۱۵-۲۸. Results: The result showed a (P < ۰.۰۵) increase in testicular malondialdehyde and a decrease in the activities of testicular superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the group exposed to sodium fluoride. These changes were significantly (P < ۰.۰۵) ameliorated by vitamin E and Homtamin ginseng. More so, sodium fluoride altered testicular and brain weight, spermatogenesis, hormonal profile, fertility test as well as testicular architecture negatively following treatment with sodium fluoride. However, Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E or combination of both prevented and reversed the effects of sodium fluoride on spermatogenesis, hormonal profile, fertility and mating indices in rats. Conclusion: In conclusion, Homtamin ginseng and vitamin E prevented and reversed sodium fluoride-induced testicular dysfunction through inhibition of oxidative influx and hormonal modulation mechanism in Wistar rats.

Sodium fluoride (NaF), homtamin ginseng (HG), vitamin E (Vit. E), reproductive dysfunction, spermatogenesis and gonadotropin