Antioxidant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Piper guineense (Uziza) Leaves on Lead-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Piper guineense (uziza) leaves may have therapeutic input on male infertility caused by Lead exposure. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Piper guineense leaves (EEPL) on lead-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty male wistar rats (150-200g) were divided into 4 groups consisting of 5 rats each. Control received 1ml of distilled water, lead only received 150mg/kg of lead, low dose received 150mg/kg of lead + 300mg/kg of EEPL, high dose received 150mg/kg of lead + 600mg/kg of EEPL. Administration was done orally for 14 days and then sacrificed. Blood was collected and analysed for serum testosterone and testes were harvested and homogenised for testicular antioxidant enzymes and zinc levels. Data was analysed for ANOVA using Graph Pad Prism 5. Lead exposure negatively affected the antioxidant enzymes, testosterone and zinc levels. Administration of EEPL significantly (p<0.05) increased the testosterone and zinc levels in a dose dependent manner. EEPL also significantly (p<0.05) increased the testicular Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase levels and significantly decreased the testicular Malondialdehyde levels. Piper guineense leaves ameliorate testicular oxidative stress damage induced by lead toxicity.