Background: Testicular torsion is an emergency condition occurring primarily in children. Testicular torsion results in ischemic condition in testis tissue. Studies have shown that formation of free radicals during ischemic period has important role in pathological changes of tissue. Supplementation with natural anti-oxidative factors, can prevent harmful effects of ischemia induced free radicals. In this study we aimed to examine the protective effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of SL against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced testicular damage. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: group I, control group (received only saline); group II, I/R group; group III, I/R + SL group; Group IV, SL group. The ischemia period was 2 hours. Saline and SL administered daily by gavage. At the end of experimental period, testes were removed for histological and biochemical analysis. All treatment were performed orally via gavage. Total protein level, Superoxidedismutase (SOD) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 levels were evaluated for biochemical analysis. Histological examination were conducted for measuring of seminiferous tubules diameter. Results: MDA and H 2O2 levels in I/R group signifcantly were higher than control, I/R+SL and SL groups. In addition, total protein level, sperm counts, SOD activity were signifcantly decreased in I/R group. However, pretreatment with SL extract resulted in signifcant improvement in MDA, H2O2, total protein level, sperm counts and SOD activity compared to the I/R group. Histological evaluation confrmed the biochemical changes. Conclusion: It is concluded that pre-treatment with SL extract protects the testis from the ischemia induced injuries.
