Ginseng nanoparticles mitigate boldenone-induced testicular oxidative damage and reproductive dysfunction in adult male rats.

The widespread misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), Such as boldenone undecylenate (Bold), poses significant risks to male reproductive health through oxidative stress and androgen receptor dysregulation. This study evaluated the protective effects of Panax ginseng (Gin) and its nanoparticle (Gin NPs) against Bold-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats. Sixty rats were allocated into six groups: control, sesame oil, Bold, Bold + Gin (50 mg/kg), Bold + Gin (100 mg/kg), and Bold + Gin NPs (30 mg/kg). Biochemical assays, semen analysis, antioxidant profiling, histopathology, and androgen receptor (AR) immunohistochemistry were conducted. Bold administration caused significant reductions in testis weight, testosterone levels, sperm quality, catalase activity, and AR expression, alongside increased malondialdehyde levels and severe testicular histopathological damage. Co-treatment with both Gin and Gin NPs restored antioxidant balance, improved semen parameters, enhanced AR expression, and ameliorated histological damage. Gin NPs demonstrated superior efficacy at a lower dose. These findings suggest that ginseng nanoparticles are a promising therapeutic strategy to counteract AAS-induced male infertility through antioxidant and androgen receptor-mediated mechanisms.