Abstract

 
 
 
 Purpose: To investigate the ameliorative effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGEx) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2-induced) alterations in the blood and testicles of rats.
 Methods: A total of 24 male rats (160 - 200 g), randomly assigned into 4 groups (A - D; n = 6), were used to investigate the claimed protective effect of AGEx on blood and spermatogenic tissues following CdCl2-intoxication in albino rats. The rats in Group A served as controls and were given 5 mg/mL of deionized water. Group B rats were given 300 mg/kg of AGEx. Group C rats were given 2 mg/kg of CdCl2. Rats in Group D first received 2 mg/kg of CdCl2, and 300 mg/kg of AGEx 2 h later. All treatments were done every 48 h for a period of six weeks.
 Results: CdCl2 administration to group C rats reduced (p < 0.05) haematocrit value (PCV), concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), red cells count (RBC), total leucocytes count (tWBC), eosinophil, neutrophil, testicular weights and sperm reserves; but elevated (p < 0.05) lymphocytes count compared with the controls. AGEx 300 mg/kg in group D rats significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the altered parameters compared with the controls.
 Conclusion: The results demonstrate that administration of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract to male rats enhances spermatogenesis, and ameliorates testicular and haematological alterations induced by cadmium poisoning. Therefore, the spermatogenic principle in AGEx is a potential candidate for the clinical management of male infertility.
 
 
 
Highlights
Infertility has a prevalence of approximately 15 % worldwide [1]; and adverse effects of different environmental toxicants on spermatogenesis in rodents and humans have been widely reported [2]
Administration of CdCl2 (Group C) caused more reduction (P
2 mg/kg of CdCl2 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the testicular weights when compared with the control, rats dosed with 300 mg/kg AGEx, and rats first administered with 2 mg/kg of CdCl2 and 300 mg/kg of AGEx 2 h later
Summary
Infertility has a prevalence of approximately 15 % worldwide [1]; and adverse effects of different environmental toxicants on spermatogenesis in rodents and humans have been widely reported [2]. The negative impacts of environmental toxicants on male reproductive physiology could result from production of oxygen free radicals [3], Cadmium is one of the heavy metals that affect human health in the form of occupational hazards and environmental pollution [6]. Cadmium negatively affects cell proliferation (leading to increased apoptosis), and International Agency for Cancer Research has classified it as a human carcinogen [6]. In search of cheap and safe remedies for male infertility, Allium sativum (garlic) has been accorded a folkloric reputation for reversing reproductive toxicity in male animals and man [9]. The current research was designed to investigate the ameliorative effects of AGE on testicular and hematologic toxicities induced by cadmium chloride in albino rats
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