Aqueous extract of Pedalium murex D. Royen ex L. leafy stem protects against lead induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objectives Lead exposure seriously impairs male reproductive function. The protective capacity of Pedalium murex leafy stem and fruit aqueous extracts against lead testicular toxicity is evaluated to find herbals drugs able to improve semen quality. Methods Phytochemical screening were performed according to classical methods. Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups of six rats each and received the following treatments via oral route: distilled water; 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water; 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water with 400 mg/kg P. murex aqueous leafy stem extract; 0.2% leaded water with 400 mg/kg P. murex aqueous fruit extract. Treatments were administered for 70 days. Body and reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters and testicular histological sections of each group were examined. Results Flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and lignans were found in both extracts. Lead intoxication reduced sperm motility and count but increased the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperms. The germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules histoarchitecture was disorganized by lead. The leafy stem extract was effective in reducing lead induced testicular disruption whereas fruit has not shown any beneficial effect. Conclusions P. murex leafy stem aqueous extract is effective against semen alterations caused by lead.

Acute and Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study of the Aqueous Extracts from the Leafy Stem and Fruit of Pedalium murex D.Royen EX.L in Wistar Rats

“…Diferent experimental models have confrmed the effectiveness of P. murex leafy stem or fruit folkloric use as aphrodisiac or male fertility booster [14][15][16]. Our prior study has also revealed the protective activity of P. murex leafy stem aqueous extract at 400 mg/kg against lead-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats [14]. Although phytochemicals could exhibit pharmacological efects, they could however be toxic [17].…”

“…Male rats were used due to the fact that this study aims to evaluate the toxicity associated with treatment of male infertility with P. murex. Tis study follows a frst one that has assessed the potential of the aqueous extracts from P. murex leafy stem and fruit in male infertility treatment [14].…”

“…Te control group received distilled water; LS200, LS400, and LS800 groups were treated with P. murex leafy stem at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/ kg, respectively; FR200, FR400, and FR800 groups were treated with the fruit of P. murex at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Te highest dose (800 mg/kg) was determined by multiplying the pharmacologically active dose by 2-fold intervals [14]. Te rat behavior was observed during the follow-up.…”

“…Te dried powder of the fruit mixed with porridge is also used to alleviate male reproductive diseases [13]. In our previous study, preliminary phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extracts of P. murex leafy stem and fruit has revealed presence of favonoids, tannins, alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, steroids, and lignans [14].…”