Effects of Methanol Extract of Senna Podocarpa leaf on the Reproductive Parameters of Male Wistar Rats Following lead Acetate Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Lead and its compounds have been implicated to be reprotoxic by inducing testicular damage and causing hormonal imbalance. Senna podocarpa has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing potentials. This study investigated the effects of the methanol extract of Senna podocarpa leaf (MESP) on the reproductive activities of male Wistar rats following the induction of reproductive toxicity using lead acetate. Methods: Thirty male rats with body weights between 170g - 200g (10 - 12 weeks) were used for the study. The rats were divided into 6 equal groups as follows; Group 1 rats received 1 ml/kg of Tween 80 only while group 2 rats received 15 mg/kg lead acetate only. Rats in group 3 received 15 mg/kg lead acetate and 500mg/kg of MESP concurrently while rats in group 4 received 15 mg/kg lead acetate and 1000mg/kg of MESP concurrently. Groups 5 and 6 rats received only 500 mg/kg and1000 mg/kg of MESP respectively. Lead acetate was administered intraperitoneally while MESP and Tween 80 were administered orally. All treatments were for 14 days. Results: It was observed from the results that administration of lead acetate for 14 days induced male reproductive toxicity which was evidenced by testicular and epididymal degeneration, significant decrease in sperm parameters, reproductive hormone and antioxidant level. However, concomitant administration of MESP especially at 1000 mg/kg ameliorated the toxic effect of lead acetate as shown by improved testicular and epididymal histology as well as increased sperm parameters. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MESP may be used as herbal remedy in cases of reproductive toxicity caused by lead acetate.