Background: Ethanol consumption induces histological and physiological changes in reproductive system of mammals. Rosa canina L. (RC) have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in various oxidative stress conditions. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of RC effects on ethanol induced testicular damages. Materials and Methods: In our study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, ethanol, ethanol + RC (500 mg kg−1) group and RC (500 mg kg−1). After the treatment, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD). Johnson’s mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria were used for histological evaluation. In addition sperm parameters including: sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were analyzed. For biochemical analysis, total protein level, dismutase (SOD) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 levels were evaluated. Results: Our data indicate a significant reduction in the sperm count, motility, viability in ethanol group but RC ameliorate this reduction in RC + ethanol group. In this study both MSTD and MTBS values were decreased in ethanol treated rats. However, RC treatment was associated with increase in both of these values. SOD activities significantly increased in the animals ingested with RC extract prior to ethanol compared to the ethanol group. Decrease of MDA and H2O2 levels were statistically significant in the animals that ingested the RC extract prior to ethanol compared to the ethanol group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by ethanol may be prevented by RC treatment.
