Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Monodora Myristica (Fresh and Roasted) on Lead Acetate Induced Infertility on Oxidative Stress Markers (SOD, MDA, And CAT) of Male Wistar Rats
2026· International journal of research and scientific innovation· Vol 13, pp. 2873-2886· 0 citations
TL;DR
Ethanolic extracts of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica seeds possess antioxidant properties capable of ameliorating oxidative stress associated with lead-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats, and may have potential therapeutic value in the management of oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorders.
Abstract
Lead toxicity is a major environmental and public health concern associated with oxidative stress and male reproductive dysfunction. Accumulation of lead in testicular tissues has been reported to impair spermatogenesis through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Monodora myristica, a medicinal plant widely used as a spice in Africa, possesses several pharmacological properties including potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities attributed to its rich phytochemical composition.
This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic extracts of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica seeds on oxidative stress markers in the testes of adult male Wistar rats exposed to lead-induced toxicity. A total of thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 120 g and 188 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into experimental groups comprising a normal control group, a lead acetate-treated group, groups administered lead acetate alongside fresh or roasted ethanolic seed extracts, groups pretreated with fresh or roasted extracts prior to lead exposure, and groups administered fresh or roasted extracts only. Lead acetate and the plant extracts were administered orally according to the experimental design.
Biochemical analysis revealed significant alterations in oxidative stress markers following treatment. Administration of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica extracts produced significant effects on catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and lipid peroxidation. However, no significant effect was observed on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The observed antioxidant effects may be associated with the bioactive phytochemical constituents present in the extracts.
The findings of this study suggest that ethanolic extracts of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica seeds possess antioxidant properties capable of ameliorating oxidative stress associated with lead-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Therefore, Monodora myristica may have potential therapeutic value in the management of oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorders.
Background: Lead toxicity is one of the most harmful heavy metal poisonings in humans and animals. It affects the kidneys’ ability to excrete waste and toxic substances, thereby causing oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney damage.
Aims: This study investigated the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina on renal function parameters and oxidative markers in lead-induced nephrotoxic Wistar rats.
Methodology: Acute toxicity testing was conducted using Lorke’s (1983) method. Thirty (30) healthy adult Wistar rats, weighing 180–200 g and obtained from the Animal House of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received standard feed and water. Group II (negative control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate only for 14 days. Group III (positive control) received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and was then treated with 70 mg/kg silymarin for 28 days. Groups IV, V and VI received 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 14 days and were then treated with graded doses of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and renal function parameters, including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine, were determined using standard laboratory methods.
Results: Lead acetate administration significantly increased serum MDA, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea and creatinine levels, with significant reductions in catalase, superoxide dismutase and bicarbonate levels when compared with the normal control. However, treatment with ethanol leaf extract of Momordica balsamina caused a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant enzyme activity and improved renal function parameters when compared with the negative control group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that ethanol leaf extract of M. balsamina produced no visible toxic effect even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The leaf extract of M. balsamina ameliorated oxidative stress and reduced the functional impact of lead toxicity on the kidneys by improving renal function.
N. Fakai, M. H. Yeldu, U. Wali et al.· Asian Journal of Biochemistr...· 0 citations
Oxidative stress is a principal mechanism underlying the toxicity of environmental pollutants such as aluminium (Al) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), with co-exposure promoting excessive reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and depletion of antioxidant defences. Syzygium aromaticum (clove), a phenolic-rich medicinal plant with documented antioxidant properties, has not been adequately evaluated against oxidative damage from combined Al and BaP exposure. This study investigated the protective effects of S. aromaticum aqueous extract on oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rats exposed orally for 28 days to Al (100 mg/kg) and BaP (100 mg/kg), individually and in combination. Fifty-four rats were allocated to nine groups (n = 6): normal control, Al-treated, BaP-treated, Al+BaP-treated, Al+BaP with S. aromaticum (1000, 1500, or 2000 mg/kg), S. aromaticum alone, and Al+BaP with ascorbic acid. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Individual exposure to Al and BaP significantly increased MDA (12.80 and 12.04 nmol/mg protein vs. 3.28 in control, p < 0.001), while combined exposure produced the greatest elevation (13.71 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.001), with corresponding significant reductions in SOD, GPx, and GSH (p < 0.05-0.001); reductions in catalase activity did not reach statistical significance. S. aromaticum attenuated lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities at all tested doses, with effects statistically comparable to those in the ascorbic acid standard group (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that S. aromaticum may confer protective effects against combined Al- and BaP-induced oxidative stress in this animal model, supporting further investigation of its potential as a natural antioxidant intervention.
Unknown authors· Journal of biochemistry inte...· 0 citations
Background: Lead acetate is an environmental toxicant associated with impaired male reproductive function. Curcuma longa (turmeric), particularly its bioactive compound curcumin, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic C. longa extract on sperm quality and testicular histology following lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 5). Group A served as control; Group B received lead acetate (60 mg/kg); Group C received ethanolic C. longa extract (100 mg/kg); and Groups D and E received lead acetate (60 mg/kg) with 200 and 400 mg/kg C. longa extract, respectively. Treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Sperm motility, total sperm count, morphology, and testicular histology were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test at p < 0.05.
Results: Lead exposure reduced active motile sperm (72.50 ± 1.44%) compared with control (82.50 ± 1.44%) and increased non-motile sperm (27.50 ± 1.44% vs. 17.50 ± 1.44%). Total sperm count decreased from 66.90 ± 0.80 to 59.30 ± 7.50 × 10⁶/ml. The 200 mg/kg co-treated group showed 80.00 ± 2.88% active motile sperm and the highest total sperm count (72.70 ± 0.40 × 10⁶/ml). The extract-only group showed the lowest motility and sperm count and highest abnormal morphology. Histologically, lead exposure altered seminiferous architecture, while extract-only treatment produced severe degeneration and spermatogenic arrest. Co-treated groups showed partial preservation, although abnormalities persisted.
Conclusion: Ethanolic C. longa extract produced variable effects on sperm quality and testicular histology following lead exposure, with some favorable changes particularly at 200 mg/kg. However, persistent abnormalities indicate that these effects were not uniformly dose-dependent. Further mechanistic studies are warranted.
E. O. Nweke, Emmanuel Chimagoziwom Prince, A. Obi et al.· Health Science Research Inte...· 1 citation
Drug-induced liver injury is a major health concern and represents one of the most common causes of acute liver failure. Diclofenac, a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is known to induce hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the formation of reactive metabolites. Natural products with antioxidant properties have gained attention as potential hepatoprotective agents. Impatiens balsamina Linn. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes and is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and other bioactive constituents with potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Impatiens balsamina leaves (HAEIB) against diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. HAEIB treatment significantly restored altered biochemical parameters, increased GSH and SOD levels, and reduced LPO levels compared with the diclofenac-treated group, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Histopathological examination revealed marked protection against hepatic degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. HAEIB at a dose of 400 mg/kg demonstrated hepatoprotective activity comparable to that of the standard drug silymarin. These findings suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of HAEIB may be attributed to its antioxidant phytoconstituents and support its potential use as a natural hepatoprotective agent.
Shweta Patil, Aglawe Sachin, Pratiksha Vadhane et al.· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical associated with oxidative stress and ovarian dysfunction. Dennettia tripetala
is a medicinal plant with reported antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Aim: This study evaluated the protective effects of graded doses of aqueous seed extract of Dennettia tripetala on ovarian biochemical, hormonal,
and microbiological alterations in bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in female Wistar Rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-five (35) adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into seven groups (n = 5). Group I served as the normal
control, Group II received BPA only, Group III received BPA and Vitamin C, while Groups IV–VII received BPA and aqueous seed extract of D.
tripetala at 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Phytochemical, biochemical, hormonal, microbiological, and
histopathological analyses were performed using standard methods.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, and
steroids, with flavonoids and phenolic compounds being the most abundant. BPA exposure significantly increased ovarian malondialdehyde levels
and microbial burden while reducing antioxidant parameters and reproductive hormone concentrations. Histopathological examination also revealed
marked ovarian damage. Treatment with aqueous seed extract of D. tripetala significantly and dose-dependently reduced oxidative stress, restored
estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations, decreased microbial counts and isolates, and
improved ovarian histoarchitecture. The 800 mg/kg dose produced effects comparable to Vitamin C.
Conclusion: Aqueous seed extract of D. tripetala demonstrated significant ovarian protective activity against BPA-induced toxicity, highlighting its
potential as a natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related reproductive disorders.
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.
E. O. Nweke, Emmanuel Chimagoziwom Prince, A. Obi et al.· IPS Journal of Toxicology· 4 citations