Carissa spinarum L. aqueous root extracts ameliorate oxidative stress-induced infertility in adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

The potential of Carissa spinarum in treatment of male infertility arising from oxidative stress remains obscure, despite its traditional use in the management of male infertility. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and in vivo protective activities of C. spinarum extracts against oxidative stress-induced infertility in adult male Wistar rats. Root and leaf samples were extracted using solvents with different polarities, and the phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were determined. For in vivo studies, male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 5). Group 1 (control), group 2 (metronidazole), group 3 (metronidazole and 250 mg/kg aqueous root extract, group 4 (metronidazole and 500 mg/kg aqueous root extract), group 5 (metronidazole and 1000 mg/kg aqueous root extract) and group 6 (metronidazole + vitamin E + Sustanon). The epididymis was harvested for sperm characteristics, and the testes for histology and biochemical assays. There were significantly higher (p < 0.05) phytochemicals and antioxidant activities in the leaves than the roots for all the solvents tested, except hexane. For in vivo studies, rats fed on aqueous root extracts at 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in testicular weight index (0.98%), sperm count (37.28 × 10^6/mL), normal sperm morphology (60.50%), catalase (14.56 × 10−2 nmol g-1 testis tissue) and reduced lipid peroxidation (1.38 ± 0.14 nmoles/g tissue), malondialdehyde content. Extracts at low and high doses showed a significant increase in viable sperm cells (88.50%) and peroxidase activity, respectively. The extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg BW ameliorated the effects of metronidazole on testicular histology. The study affirms the potential of C. spinarum aqueous root extracts in the management of male infertility caused by oxidative stress-related factors.