Methotrexate
is widely used in treatment of cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatic diseases but it
can be induce reproductive toxicity. Mulberries have been reported to be
important antioxidant. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the
protective effects of ethanolic leaf Mulberry extract against reproductive
toxicity of Methotrexate in male rats. Twenty male albino rats were divided
into four equal groups (n=5), the first served as negative control, the second
received mulberry extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), the third group received
Methotrexate (20mg/kg) the fourth received Methotrexate after one week of  treatment with mulberry extract (100 mg/kg
b.wt.). Treatment was continued for 4 weeks. Results of the study displayed
that Methotrexate caused a significantly decrease in Gonadisomatic index
weights, testosterone, LH and FSH in serum as compared with normal control.
Mulberry extract protection against MTX-induced reproductive injury was
reflected by significantly increased serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels
compared to those in MTX treated Rats (P < 0.05). Histological observations
also revealed that damages within the seminiferous tubules and vascular
degeneration of the germ cells and Sertoli cells cytoplasm were observed
apparent in rats after MTX administration. In contrast, the damage was markedly
attenuated in the mulberry treated group. In conclusion, treatment with
mulberry leaf extract alleviates Methotrexate-associated hazards and protects
the testicular tissues.