Ameliorating effect of Cichorium Intybus L. Against testicular dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and other diabetic complications in rats

The major sign of diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperglycemia, has a variety of harmful consequences on all bodily functions, including reproduction. Chronically elevated blood sugar is linked to an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which weakens the body's antioxidant defense system and causes a variety of health issues. Male diabetics' testicular dysfunction is mostly caused by testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and hormonal abnormalities. Diabetes is also linked to a wide range of metabolic problems, such as decreased protein levels and changes in certain blood enzymes and minerals.
The anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities of many naturally occurring plants have played an important part in human health maintenance.  Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a vital medicinal herb. Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant benefits are only some of the many examples of chicory extracts' wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological use. Its widespread use meant that it could be used to treat anything from lesions to diabetes.
This research demonstrated the preventative effects of chicory against diabetes-induced dysfunction of the testicles in male rats.  Chicory seed extract (250 mg/kg) was given via stomach tube once daily to diabetic rats for 30 days after the establishment of diabetes. Chicory's ameliorative impact on testicular diseases was confirmed by an increase in the body and testis weights of treated diabetic rats compared to untreated rats. Both fasting blood sugar and serum insulin were dramatically reduced. A rise in testosterone hormone was observed in diabetic rats given chicory. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were also seen to be attuned. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the serum of the diabetic group were reduced by chicory. Also, administration of chicory seed extract restored serum and testis total protein content due to its ameliorating effect on protein metabolism.  Diabetes is associated with serum mineral disturbances. Treatment with chicory recorded an improvement of serum minerals like zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Moreover, histological examinations confirmed the protective effects of chicory testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, treatment with chicory seed extract can attenuate many unfavorable complications associated with diabetes mellitus.