Ameliorative Potential of Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium on Plasmodium-induced Gonadotoxicity in Swiss Mice

Abstract

Background: Polyherbal decoctions are frequently utilized by some Africans for anti-malaria treatment because they are readily accessible, and assumed low toxicity despite possible gonadotoxicities. We investigated ameliorative potential of anti-plasmodial plants Azadirachta indica (AI) and Gongronema latifolium (GL) on Plasmodium-induced gonadotoxities. Materials and methods: Adult male Swiss mice (n = 50) were allotted into 10 groups of (n = 5) animals. All groups were parasitized with 1 × 106P. berghei inoculum for three days except for groups 1 and 10; (normal control [NC]) and (non-parasitized mice administered Arthemeter-Lumefantrine [AL]). Group 2 was parasitized non-treated (PNT), groups 3 and 4 received low and high doses AI (86.60 and 259.81 mg), groups 5 and 6 received low and high doses GL (337.27 and 1011.80 mg), Groups 7, and 8 received low doses AI + GL (86.60 + 337.27 mg), and high doses AI + GL (259.81 + 1011.80 mg), while Group 9 received AL (8 mg), all odes via oral gavage per kg body weights, respectively. Rectal temperature, seminal/hormonal, testicular morphometry and histology assessments were evaluated using standard protocols. Results: Concurrent administration of AI and GL alleviated pyrexia and parasitemia in test groups, compared to NC and PNT groups. Testosterone concentrations were reduced in parasitized groups compared to NC, while sperm parameters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in PNT and high AI + GL extract groups, but improved in combined low dose with testicular histoarchitecture. Conclusions: AI and GL concurrently administered at low doses mitigate P. berghei-induced gonadotoxicity better than as singly. KEYWORDS: Anti-Malaria, Azadirachta Indica, Gongronema Latifolium, Gonadotoxicity, Histology.