Reproductive toxicity of neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) in male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Considering that neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) causes deleterious effects on fertility, the objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Linnaeus, 1758) of 90 days old with neem seeds on seminal quality, biometric parameters, and testicular morphometrics, as an experimental model. After the 30 day adaptation period to the experimental conditions, birds were randomly distributed in five treatments of neem seeds incorporated into feed, with 10 replicates: T1 (0%), T2 (5%), T3 (10%), T4 (20%) and T5 (40%). After 60 days of receiving experimental rations, their semen was collected to evaluate the sperm quality, the birds were euthanized, and testes were submitted to biometric, histological, and histomorphometric evaluation. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and later by Tukey test with a significance level of 5%. The mean values of testicle weight, length, and width significantly decreased in T4 and T5, due degeneration of germinal epithelial cells. In these treatments, it occurred a significant increase (P>0.05) in the average values of the tunica albuginea thickness and a significant reduction in the values of the seminiferous tubule diameter and the height of the germinal epithelium. In addition, the mean values of seminal volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, vigor, and sperm viability were significantly reduced. Thus, the use of neem in bird feeding, as well as the use for therapeutic purposes, is questionable, considering its negative impact on reproduction.

Azadirachtin‐based insecticide impairs testis morphology and spermatogenesis of the southern armyworm Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…According to the results in this paper and previous reports, azadirachtin or other insecticides that caused degeneration of germ cell cysts (spermatogonia and spermatocytes) revealed the occurrence of many cytoplasmic vacuoles, dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and apoptotic bodies to be the main symptoms indicative of cell degeneration 14,31,35,38,40 . We verified that not only did the germline cells undergo a degeneration process but also the somatic cells that formed the cyst walls, with the occurrence of vesiculation of the cytoplasm and rupture of its membrane.…”

“…14,15,31,36 This symptom may be related to blocking or halting cell divisions in germ cells due to cell proliferation inhibition. 2,8,13,37 The same aspect of reduction in the number of germ cells was described by Góis et al 38 in male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed with neem seeds (A. indica). Synthetic insecticides can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms observed by Santorum et al 35 in Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae exposed to novaluron and in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) exposed to fenoxycarb.…”

“…This symptom may be related to blocking or halting cell divisions in germ cells due to cell proliferation inhibition 2,8,13,37 . The same aspect of reduction in the number of germ cells was described by Góis et al 38 . in male quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) fed with neem seeds ( A. indica ).…”