Azanza garckeana Extract Alleviates Lead-Induced Testicular Toxicity: A Histological and Oxidative Stress Analysis
Azanza garckeana, a plant native to Central, Eastern, Southern Africa, and found in parts of West Africa, has been traditionally known for its medicinal properties and has long been recognized for its role in enhancing male reproductive health. In light of this, the present study explored the protec...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Scientific Publishing
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Fertility & Reproduction |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S2661318225500021 |
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| Summary: | Azanza garckeana, a plant native to Central, Eastern, Southern Africa, and found in parts of West Africa, has been traditionally known for its medicinal properties and has long been recognized for its role in enhancing male reproductive health. In light of this, the present study explored the protective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Azanza garckeana(AGE) against lead acetate-induced damage to the testes in Wistar rats. A total of twenty-four adult Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, receiving different treatments: group A: feed and water; group B: 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate; group C: 800 mg/kg BW of AGE; group D: 800 mg/kg BW of AGE and 100 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate, over a 60-day period via oral gavage. The freeze-drying method was applied to the extract to get the best quality. Afterward, the rats were sacrificed, and assessments were carried out to evaluate changes in body weight, sperm parameters, and testicular tissue structure. Oxidative stress assessments highlighted glutathione peroxidase assay, superoxide dismutase assay, catalase assay, and malondialdehyde assay. The fixed testis used for histological findings was carried out using the hematoxylin and eosin procedure. Statistical analysis was done using the GraphPad Prism software V9, and data was expressed as mean with standard error of mean (SEM). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Fisher’s multiple comparisons post-hoc test, was performed to determine statistical significance ([Formula: see text] values <0.05). Lead acetate exposure triggered significant ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) weight reduction, reactive oxidative damage, and structural damage to the testes. Remarkably, treatment with AGE significantly ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) countered these harmful effects, helping to preserve testicular integrity in the lead-exposed rats. These findings highlight the promising role of A. garckeana as a natural agent capable of protecting against lead-induced testicular toxicity, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions rooted in herbal medicine. |
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| ISSN: | 2661-3182 2661-3174 |