Background: Lead acetate is one of the most common environmental pollutants that damages reproductive organs through the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the extract of ashwagandha, with anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant properties, on oxidative stress indicators and adverse effects induced by lead acetate in male rabbits. Methods and materials: The 15 male rabbits were divided into 3 groups: 1) control group (treated with distilled water); 2) lead acetate group (treated with lead acetate (150 mg/kg WB); 3) ashwagandha + lead acetate group (treated with ashwagandha (250 mg/kg BW) and 150 mg/kg BW lead acetate). After 30 days, the histology of the epididymis, and testis and sperm concentration were examined. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activity and also lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde: MDA) were assessed in the blood samples in these three groups. Results: In the lead acetate group, a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in the GSH and CAT activity, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and epididymis, thickness of the gremial layer and sperm concentration, and a significant increase (p≤0.001) in MDA levels were observed compared with the control group. In the ashwagandha + lead acetate group, ashwagandha could reverse these negative effects and increase GSH and CAT activity, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and epididymis, thickness of the gremial layer and sperm concentration, and decrease MDA levels compared with the lead acetate group. Conclusion: Lead acetate induces adverse effects on reproductive organs and the aqueous extract of ashwagandha could reverse oxidative stress, and reduce damages induced on testis and epididymis.
