Background. The ashwagandha plant has been used as a treatment for many ailments due to its important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-free radical properties, especially in protecting against the toxic effects of heavy metals. This experimental study aims to assess the protective effects of Withania Somnifera (WS) on the testes and epididymis organs by studying its physiological and histological effects on fertility disorders in male rabbits induced by lead acetate toxicity. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in cooperation with the laboratories of the College of Education for Pure Sciences at the University of Karbala from May 2023 to June 2023. The study included 30 adult male rabbits with weights ranging between 1.25 kg and 1.54 kg and ages ranging between four to seven months. The rabbits were randomly distributed into six groups, each consisting of 5 male rabbits, as follows: Group 1: Control group treated with distilled water (2 ml) as a negative control for one 30 days. Group 2: Positive group treated with lead acetate (150 mg/kg) for 30 days. Group 3: WS aqueous extract (250 mg/kg) administered for 30 days. Group 4: WS aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) administered for 30 days. Group 5: WS aqueous extract (250 mg/kg) administered for 30 days, followed by lead acetate (150 mg/kg) for 30 days. Group 6: WS aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) administered for 30 days, followed by lead acetate (150 mg/kg) for 30 days. Resulted: Oral dosing of rabbits in the group treated with lead acetate at a concentration of 150 mg/kg for 30 days showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in blood parameters such as hemoglobin and red blood cells, and a significant increase (P≤0.05) in white blood cells. There was also a significant increase (P≤0.05) in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and blood sugar, and a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in high-density lipoprotein, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sperm count. Antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05), while oxidant malondialdehyde (MDA) showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) compared to the control. While groups treated with WS aqueous extract at concentrations of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the number of red blood cells , blood hemoglobin and significant decrease (P≤0.05) in WBC, LDL, VLDL, glucose , MDA , and significant increase (P≤0.05) in HDL, GSH, CAT, LH, T,FSH ,sperm count compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and glugose, along with a significant increase (P≤0.05) in high-density lipoprotein, sperm count, GSH, CAT, and a decrease in MDA. These results were observed in the groups treated with WS at concentrations of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, along with lead acetate at a concentration of 150 mg/kg for 30 days compare to positive group Lead. acetate caused a decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and epididymis and degeneration of the epithelial layer, leading to increased vacuolation during spermatogenesis and reduced sperm count. And decreases the average diameters of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatozoa leydig cell and sertoli cells, while WS aqueous extract increased the diameter of seminiferous tubules and epididymis and average diameters of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatozoa leydig cell and sertoli cells and suppresses the effect of lead acetate. Conclusion: This is an experimental study to assess the protective role of aqueous extract of ashwagandha in testes and epididymis of male rabbits treated with lead acetate.
