Affiliation:
1. Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan, East Java, Indonesia.
2. Biology Program, Faculty of Science, Technology, and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan, East Java, Indonesia.
Abstract
There are a variety of causes for male infertility. Among them is microbial infection. Lemongrass (C. nardus) contains natural antioxidants and flavonoids that have the ability to preserve the male reproductive system. This study examined the effects of different C. nardus extract dosages on mouse sperm quality. The male Balb/C mice were separated into five groups of equal size. The negative control group was injected with 0.01ml of Na-CMC 0.5% over the course of 28 days, the positive control group was injected with 0.2ml of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on days 10, 17, and 24, and the treatment groups were injected with 0.2ml of S. aureus on days 10, 17, and 24, followed by 0.01ml of C. nardus. After the experiment, mice were slaughtered, and sperm suspension was obtained from the cauda epididymal to measure morphology, concentration, and motility. The testis was fixed in a fixative solution to analyze the spermatogenic cells, and intracardiac blood was drawn to determine the level of testosterone. Significant differences (p 0.05) were seen in the morphology, concentration, and motility of spermatozoa when C. nardus extract was administered. Given the low and middle concentrations of C. nardus extract, it can repair sperm damage caused by S. aureus infection.