Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
DB Kale, RS Ingole, SP Waghmare, SW Hajare, MV Ingawale and BP Kamdi

Abstract:
Soybean is rich source of protein consumed by human and animals but it elicits phytoestrogenic properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate subacute toxicity of soy isoflavones on organ weight and sperm parameters in adult male Wistar rat. Soy isoflavone (SI) extract was prepared, quantified and utilized for present study. Animals were equally divided into three groups (n=8). Group I served as control and given normal saline through oral gavage for 28 days, while group II and group III were given SI @ 250, @ 500 mg/kg bwt/day daily orally for 28 days period. After completion of 28 days animals were sacrificed and relative organ weight and sperm parameter were analyzed. The organ weight of liver and thymus were significantly decreased in both treatment groups when compared with control group. Kidney, brain and epididymis weight revealed non-significant differences. The organ weight of adrenal was significantly increased in both treatment groups compared to control group. However, relative weight of spleen was significantly higher in group II as compared to group III and control group. Testis and seminal vesicle revealed non significant dose dependent decreased values. Epididymal sperm count and sperm motility was found to be significantly decreased in both the treatment groups as compared to control group. Sperm head and total sperm abnormalities were significantly increased in group II and group III when compared with the control group, while mid piece abnormalities were significantly elevated in group III compared to group I and II. Soy isoflavone subacute toxicity @ 250 mg/kg bwt. and 500 mg/kg bwt. leads to alterations in organ weight of liver and thymus and showed decreased epididymal sperm count and elevated sperm abnormalities in adult male rats.