Sperm morphology and testis histological changes in 12% high cholesterol diet administered rats following Tualang honey supplementation and diet modifications

Background: Hypercholesterolaemia is recognized as a factor associated with male infertility. However, currently, there is limited therapy available. Tualang honey (TH) is a type of Malaysian polyfloral wild honey produced by the rock bee (Apis dorsata) proven to exert both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of TH coupled with diet modification on sperm morphology and testis histology of 12% high cholesterol diet (HCD) administered rats. Methodology: Fifteen rats were fed with HCD for 16 weeks. They were then divided into 3 groups. Group A rats were not treated and continued HCD as control. Group B rats were supplemented with TH (3.0g/kg) and continued HCD, while group C was given TH (3.0g/kg) but was changed to a normal diet for 4 weeks. Results: Compared to group A, group B, and C demonstrated significant improvement in both sperm morphology and Johnsen testicular scoring compared to group A (p