Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) on Body Weight and Relative Testicular Weight in Lead Acetate-Induced Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Lead exposure is associated with systemic and reproductive toxicity, partly through oxidative stress and disruption of antioxidant defenses. Curcuma longa (turmeric) contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties and may therefore help mitigate toxicant-induced effects. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa on body weight and relative testicular weight in lead acetate-exposed adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of five animals each. Group A served as the control, Group B received 60 mg/kg lead acetate, Group C received 100 mg/kg ethanolic Curcuma longa extract, Group D received 60 mg/kg lead acetate with 200 mg/kg Curcuma longa extract, and Group E received 60 mg/kg lead acetate with 400 mg/kg Curcuma longa extract. Treatments were administered orally once daily for four weeks. Body weight was measured before and after treatment, while relative testicular weight was determined at the end of the experiment. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The lead-only group showed a non-significant increase in body weight from 136.33 ± 6.33 g to 141.00 ± 0.00 g (p = 0.538). A significant increase in body weight was observed in the group receiving lead acetate with 400 mg/kg Curcuma longa extract, from 140.66 ± 5.04 g to 168.50 ± 3.75 g (p = 0.035). Changes in the other groups were not statistically significant. Relative testicular weight ranged from 0.37 ± 0.01 g to 0.44 ± 0.05 g, with no significant difference among groups (F = 1.032, p = 0.437). Conclusion: Ethanolic Curcuma longa extract at 400 mg/kg was associated with a significant increase in body weight in lead-exposed rats, suggesting a possible beneficial systemic effect. However, relative testicular weight was not significantly altered. Further studies incorporating biochemical, hormonal, sperm, and histopathological parameters are required to establish the reproductive protective effects of Curcuma longa against lead-induced toxicity.