Abstract
Background:
Cadmium exposure has been implicated in the development of male infertility through its harmful effects on spermatogenesis and sperm function. In many societies, infertility is managed using both orthodox drugs and herbal remedies. Comparative evidence on the relative efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in cadmium-induced male reproductive toxicity is limited.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clomiphene citrate in treating cadmium-induced male reproductive disorder and compare its effects with those of Cyperus esculentus, a commonly used herbal remedy for male infertility in cadmium-induced toxicity.

Methods:
Thirty adult male rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5): control, cadmium, low-dose C. esculentus extract (LDCE), middle-dose C. esculentus extract (MDCE), high-dose C. esculentus extract (HDCE), and clomid groups. Except for the control group, all animals received daily cadmium chloride (3 g/10 L) as drinking water for 4 weeks. The LDCE, MDCE, and HDCE groups received oral ethanolic extract of C. esculentus at doses of 1250, 2500, and 3750 mg/kg, respectively, based on a previously established LD₅₀ of 5000 mg/kg. The clomid group received 2.8 mg/kg clomiphene citrate. Phytochemical analysis of C. esculentus extract was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed under isoflurane anesthesia, and semen samples were obtained via orchidectomy for analysis.

Results:
Sperm count (million/mL) values for the control, cadmium, LDCE, MDCE, HDCE, and clomid groups were 24.78 ± 1.14, 14.64 ± 3.53, 12.32 ± 0.88, 27.44 ± 0.77, 31.98 ± 0.65, and 34.18 ± 1.79 respectively. The sperm counts in the MDCE, HDCE, and clomid groups were significantly higher than those in the cadmium group (P<0.05). The sperm counts in the MDCE and HDCE groups were significantly lower than those in the clomid group (P<0.05). GC-MS analysis identified caryophyllene as the major phytochemical component of C. esculentus, with a peak area of 12.47.

Conclusion:
Although both therapies ameliorated cadmium-induced impairment of sperm function, clomid was more effective. C. esculentus can be used for treating cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity as it is readily available and inexpensive than clomid.

Key words: Clomid; Cyperus esculentus; Sperm count; sperm function; Sperm motility.