Effects of Heat Stress and Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Roxb Extract Supplementation on Sperm Quality in Epididymis of White Rats (Rattus norvegicus).

                                 DEDY WINARTO. H4A 007 019. 2009.

(Advisors: YON SOEPRI ONDHO and SRI WUWUH)

This research aimed to study the effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract supplementation and heat stress on sperm quality in rats epididymis, and determine the best dosage of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract as antioxidant on rats exposed heat stress. The research was carried out in July to September 2008 at Breeding and Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Agriculture Faculty; Biological Structure and Animal Laboratory, Mathematic and Natural Science Faculty, Diponegoro University.

The subjects of research were 24 male white rats strain Wistar. The experiment used Completely Randomized Design with 2 x 4 Nested Experimental Design and 3 replications. The first factor was physical treatment: S0 = without given heat stress and S1 = given heat stress. Second factor was dosage of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract i.e. 0; 300; 400; and 500 mg/kg body weight. Parameters measured were sperm quality, diameter of testicular seminiferous tubule and thickness of testicular seminiferous tubule epithelium in rats. Data were analyzed by anova, then continued with Duncan analyzed.

The experiment result was indicated that heat stress did not have significant effect sperm motility, but had a significant effect on increased life sperm, diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubule epithelium, decreased sperm abnormality, cytoplasmic droplet and damage of acrosome cap. The dosage of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract had significant effect (P<0.05)>

In conclusion, the use of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract in rats improved the quality of sperm in cauda epididymis and increased diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubule epithelium of rats without or under heat stress.

Key words: rat, heat stress, Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb extract, sperm quality, epididymis, seminiferous tubule

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@ Oktober 2009