Carrot Juice as a Natural Adjuvant Therapy: Amelioration of Cisplatin-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Histoarchitectural Disruption

Abstract

Background: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy against various solid tumors. However, its use is limited by significant adverse effects, particularly testicular toxicity, which can impair spermatogenesis and male fertility. Cisplatin-induced testicular damage is primarily mediated through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Natural antioxidants have garnered attention for their potential to counteract such toxicity. Carrot (Daucus carota) is rich in β-carotene and polyphenols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the histoprotective effects of fresh carrot juice on cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rabbits, focusing on the preservation of testicular architecture and mitigation of histopathological alterations.
Methods: Fifteen adult male rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: control, cisplatin-treated, and carrot juice + cisplatin. Carrot juice (5 mL/kg/day) was administered orally for four days before and three days after a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg). Testicular and epididymal tissues were harvested and processed for histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Observations were made under light microscopy, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results: Histological analysis revealed that cisplatin treatment induced marked testicular damage, including degeneration of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells, interstitial edema, and disrupted Leydig cell morphology. In contrast, the group pre-treated and post-treated with carrot juice exhibited significant preservation of testicular architecture, with reduced germ cell loss, minimal tubular degeneration, and relatively intact Leydig and Sertoli cells. Epididymal epithelium and sperm maturation structures also appeared better preserved in the carrot-treated group.
Conclusion: Fresh carrot juice demonstrated a protective effect against cisplatin-induced testicular histopathological alterations, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support the potential use of carrot-derived bioactive compounds as adjuvants to reduce chemotherapeutic gonadotoxicity and safeguard male reproductive health.