الفهرس 
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Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals has been known for its adverse effects on many body organs and systems and their functions. In recent years, there has been an increasing ecological and global public health concern associated with environmental pollution by these metals. Heavy metals are able to impair mammalian male reproductive function through either a direct effect on the testis, resulting in decreased or altered sperm production via impairment of the accessory sex gland secretions, or indirectly through the neuroendocrine system, causing hormonal imbalance. Elettaria Cardamom has been demonstrated to be an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Recent studies showed the protective effects of cardamom in retarding development of cancer through regulating production of ROS in cells during oxidative stress. The aim of this study: is to investigate the toxic effects of cadmium chloride, sodium dichromate and their combination on the reproductive system of male albino rats for 65 days (after complete spermatogenic cycle) with possible ameliorative effects of Elettaria cardamom through: Evaluation of Index weights of reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate glands). Examination of sperm parameters (sperm count, viability and morphology). Estimation of serum levels of reproductive hormones (Testosterone, LH and FSH) and acid phosphatase enzyme activity. Determination of induced testicular oxidative stress (MDA and NO) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GST). Histopathological examination of reproductive organs, brain and pituitary gland. Eighty (80) mature male albino rats were randomly divided into eight (8) groups (10 rats per each), the first group used as control and received 0.5 ml distilled water, the second group received 4.4 mg/kg b.wt (1/20 LD50) cadmium chloride monohydrate, the third group received 2.5 mg/kg b.wt (1/20 LD50) sodium dichromate dihydrate, the fourth group received 2.2 mg/kg b.wt cadmium chloride monohydrate + 1.25 mg/kg b.wt sodium dichromate dihydrate (1/40 LD50 of each), the fifth group received aqueous extract of cardamom (257 mg/kg b.wt), the sixth group received 4.4 mg/kg b.wt (1/20 LD50) cadmium chloride monohydrate + aqueous extract of cardamom (257 mg/kg b.wt), the seventh group received 2.5 mg/kg b.wt (1/20 LD50) sodium dichromate dihydrate + aqueous extract of cardamom (257 mg/kg b.wt), the eighth group received 2.2 mg/kg b.wt (1/40 LD50) cadmium chloride monohydrate + 1.25 mg/kg b.wt (1/40 LD50) sodium dichromate dihydrate + aqueous extract of cardamom (257 mg/kg b.wt). The experiment was conducted over a period 65 days. All groups received the treatment every day for 65 days orally with stomach tube. Experimental rats were kept under daily observation until the end of the experiment.