Effects of methanolic extract of <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> leave on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats

Abstract

While anti-oxidant effects of Moringa oleifera in much oxidative stress related diseases have been well reported, cryptorchidism on the other hand has been shown to cause oxidative stress. However, study is scanty on the likely role of Moringa oleifera in reducing cryptorchidism-induced oxidative stress in rats has not been studied. The present study looked into the effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEMO) on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats. Twenty male albino rats (200-250g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 each). Groups A and B were sham-operated and treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively, while groups C and D were rendered cryptorchid and also treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively. Cryptorchid rats had lower testicular weight, sperm count, germ cell count, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, testicular total protein and higher testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to sham-operated rats. MEMO had no significant effect on testicular weight and MDA concentration, while it significantly increased sperm count, germ cell count, testicular SOD and total protein in the cryptorchid rats. The present study suggests that MEMO ameliorates cryptorchidism associated germ cell loss and oxidative stress.

Rubus apetalus (Rosaceae) improves spermatozoa characteristics, antioxidant enzymes and fertility potential in unilateral cryptorchid rats

“…The effectiveness of methanolic extract in improving the spermatozoa characteristics could be correlated with its ability to easily extract antioxidant compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids and vitamins E and C [23] and, improve sex hormone levels. Similar results were reported in cryptorchid rats administered with Moringa oleifera [17].…”

“…In the right epididymis, no spermatozoa was found whereas spermatozoa morphology .c: p < 0.001 compared to sham operated;#: p < 0.001 compared to normal;*: p<0.05;**: p<0.01***: p<0.001 compared to DW;¤: p < 0.001 compared to right testis (same group); α: p < 0.001 compared to 2 weeks (same group); β: p < 0.001 compared to 4 weeks (same group). Abbreviations: MDA: malondialdehyde; SOD: superoxide dismutase; N: normal; SO: sham operated; DW: distilled water; Vit E: vitamin E; AE12 / AE60: aqueous extract administered at 12 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg; ME12 / ME60: methanolic extract administered at 12 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg Table 3 Effect of different treatments on the diameter of the seminiferous tubes, seminiferous epithelium thickness and perivascular fibrosis abnormalities (abnormal head, abnormal tail, tailless head and cytoplasmic droplet) were elevated in the contralateral epididymis, compared with normal and sham operated [17,44]. These abnormal spermatozoa characteristics could be due to the adverse effects of the thermal stress and oxidative stress, which negatively affect spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.…”

“…After surgery, rats were intramuscularly administered with antibiotic to prevent infections. Cryptorchid rats were used for further experiments 3 days after induction of cryptorchidism [17,32,33].…”

“…The effectiveness of some medicinal plants in the management of CPT has been reported. For example, Moringa oleifera [17,18] improves spermatozoa parameters in cryptorchid rats through its powerful antioxidant potential; Cuscuta chinensis decreases the germ cell apoptosis in unilateral cryptorchid rats by improving the antioxidant enzymes and regulating the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and, cleaved caspase 3 [19].…”

Histopathological Effects of Prophylactic Consumption of Sphenocentrum Jollyanum (SJ) Ethanolic Root Extract on Select Organs of Male Albino (Rattus novergicus) Rats

“…Conversely, the use of natural products with therapeutic properties is as ancient as human civilization; using it as the major source of treatment for different ailments. [7] In regions with rich diversity of flora spread, it forms an important component of their natural wealth. [6] Herbs and herbal formulations for the treatment of ailments have continued to receive increased attention due to a very strong belief that the products are safe.…”