Myrtus communis essential oil mitigates bisphenol A‐induced reproductive and lipidomic alterations in a male rat model

TL;DR

This study shows that Myrtus communis essential oil can protect against reproductive and metabolic damage caused by bisphenol A in male rats.

Contribution

The novel finding is that high-dose Myrtus communis essential oil offers broader protective effects than vitamin E against BPA-induced toxicity.

Findings

EOMC at 200 mg/kg restored testicular histology and improved sperm parameters in BPA-exposed rats.

EOMC normalized steroid hormone levels and preserved membrane phospholipid composition disrupted by BPA.

EOMC prevented BPA-induced body weight loss and outperformed vitamin E in multiple reproductive parameters.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread endocrine disruptor, induces male reproductive toxicity by impairing spermatogenesis and altering hormonal homeostasis. This study investigated the protective effects of Myrtus communis essential oil (EOMC) or vitamin E (Vit E) in adult male rats exposed to BPA (100 mg/kg/day). BPA administration led to testicular damage, decreased sperm quality, hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and changes in lipid metabolism. Vit E preserved seminiferous tubule structure and reduced the presence of immature germ cells, though partial disruption of spermatogenesis persisted. EOMC displayed dose‐dependent protective effects at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. At the highest dose, EOMC improved sperm parameters, restored testicular histology, preserved membrane phospholipid composition, and normalized levels of steroid hormones including testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol. It also prevented body weight loss induced by BPA. Although Vit E provided better protection of tubule structure, EOMC at 200 mg/kg offered broader benefits across multiple reproductive parameters. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of high‐dose EOMC in mitigating BPA‐induced male reproductive toxicity and support its use as a natural protective agent.

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