Restorative Effects of Aqueous Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract on Sperm Parameters and Testicular Integrity in Metronidazole-Induced Infertility in Male Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1104-04-302Keywords:
Metronidazole, Pituitary-gonadal axis, Testicular antioxidants, Testosterone, Vernonia amygdalinaAbstract
Background: Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a potent medicinal treatment of regulating endocrine disruptors, such as metronidazole (MTZ), a drug used for the slightest bowel dysfunction. Prolonged metronidazole use alters hormonal balance, affecting reproductive hormones.
Objectives: To examine the ameliorative effect of aqueous leaf extract of VA on the pituitary-gonadal axis, testicular antioxidant levels, and male reproductive organs of metronidazole-induced infertility in male Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing 160g on average in five groups (n = 7 each) were given 500 mg/kg body weight of metronidazole for 14 days and 300 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of VA treatment for another 14 days. Group A (Control group), Group B (Metronidazole only), Group C (Metronidazole + aqueous seed extract of VA), Group D (Metronidazole Recovery), and Group E (Metronidazole + aqueous seed extract of VA + Recovery) were used for the experiment.
Results: Administration of VA treatment increased plasma Luteinising Hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, but FSH levels did not differ. These led to significant increases in sperm count, motility, and viability across VA-treated rats. The tissue antioxidant assay of the testes showed statistically significant increases in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) across study groups, while malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. Improved cellular integrity was also deduced in the testicular photomicrograph of VA-treated rats. The histological analysis also revealed improved pituitary and testicular cells that had been previously damaged by metronidazole following VA treatment.
Conclusions: The aqueous leaf extract of VA showed restorative and anti-inflammatory effects. It also mitigates oxidative stress. Treatment with VA improved sperm parameters and testicular structural analysis, suggesting a regenerative influence on male reproductive health.
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