Tribulus terrestris ameliorates metronidazole-induced spermatogenic inhibition and testicular oxidative stress in the laboratory mouse

Abstract

Objective:The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of the fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris (TT) on the metronidazole (MTZ)-induced alterations in spermatogenesis, sperm count, testicular functions, and oxidative stress.Materials and Methods:Thirty adult Swiss strain mice were divided into six groups. Animals of Groups I and II served as untreated and vehicle-treated controls, while that of Groups III and IV were administered with MTZ (500 mg/kg BW/day) and TT (200 mg/kg BW/day) alone for 28 days, respectively. Low (100 mg/kg BW/day) and high (200 mg/kg BW/day) doses of TT along with MTZ (500 mg/kg BW/day) were administered for 28 days in the mice of Groups V and VI, respectively. Twenty four hours after the last treatment, all the animals were euthanized to study the histological changes in the testis and sperm count in the epididymis. Testicular functional markers, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, were also assessed in the mice of all the groups.Results:Metronidazole caused marked alterations in the testicular weight, spermatogenesis, activities of antioxidant enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and the level of LPO. The epididymal sperm count also declined significantly in MTZ-treated group. These changes were partially restored following co-administration of 500 mg/kg BW/day of MTZ and 100 mg/kg BW/day of TT. However, in the mice co-administered with 500 mg/kg BW/day of MTZ and 200 mg/kg BW/day of TT, the changes reverted back completely, similar to that of the controls.Conclusion:The fruit extract of TT ameliorates the MTZ-induced alterations in the testis.

Effect of Metronidazole on the Oxidoreductive Processes in the Submandibular and Parotid Glands in Experimental Research

“…The existing literature data analyse only oxidative damage to liver nuclei and intestines and changes in the level of enzymatic antioxidants in the serum of experimental animals [ 10 , 15 ]. The results of the current study pertaining to stress induction by MTZ are confirmed by Kumari and Singh, Ligha and Paul, and Pang et al [ 8 – 10 ].…”

“…In a study conducted by Kumari and Singh [ 8 ], 12-week-old male Swiss mice were administered MTZ orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 28 days. The authors also gave them the extract of terrestris ( Tribulus terrestris ) fruit (200 mg/kg/day), used to treat reproductive dysfunctions in males.…”

“…Numerous studies have confirmed that disturbances in the oxidoreductive balance are causative factors of periodontal disease, bone disorders, and oral cancer [ 6 , 7 ]. Moreover, the mechanisms of toxic actions of many xenobiotics, including such drugs as metronidazole, are associated with these disorders [ 8 – 12 ]. In experimental studies, the mutagenic potential of this drug has been demonstrated, which may be related to the reduction in the nitro group of MTZ and the formation of reactive oxygen species [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Numerous studies have focused on the mutagenic potential of metronidazole, which according to their authors is related to the reduction in the nitro group and the emergence of reactive oxygen forms [ 8 , 9 , 13 ].…”

A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris

“…A high dose of the fruit extract of TT (200 mg kg −1  day −1 ) restored metronidazole (MTZ)-induced spermatogenic inhibition and reduced the epididymal sperm count. The restoring potential of TT against MTZ-induced alterations in the spermatogenesis appears to be due to the presence of antioxidative flavonoids rather than steroidal saponins [59]. …”