Protective Effect of Heteroxenia fuscescens Extract against Sodium Arsenite-induced Infertility in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Arsenic is a potent environmental toxin with dangerous effects on human and animal populations. Heteroxenia fuscescens (H. fuscescens) extract exhibits potential health effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effect of H. fuscescensextract against sodium arsenite-induced infertility and toxicity in rats. Methods: Forty male rats were separated into four groups as follows: control group (2% DMSO, orally), sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg, orally), sodium arsenite + H. fuscescens extract (60 mg/kg in 2% DMSO), and H. fuscescens extract (60 mg/kg in 2% DMSO). Results: GC/MS analysis of H. fuscescens indicates the presence of 10 compounds at retention times of 6.00, 12.53, 19.04, 24.60, 28.56, 35.66, 38.99, 45.29, 48.02, and 52.14. fuscescens extract improves levels of sperm count (53.33 ± 1.52), motility (43.00 ± 1.10), FSH ( 2.17 ± 0.04), LH (2.43 ± 0.06), testosterone (1.87 ± 0.02), and testis weight (0.49 ± 0.01). The antioxidant activity of H. fuscescens extract was reported by a significant decrease in MDA (1.02 ± 0.01) and NO (520.39 ± 14.99) levels, while it significantly increased levels of GSH (1.77 ± 0.07), and CAT (71.38 ± 3.45). Histopathological alterations of the testes, liver, and kidney observed with sodium arsenite have been improved in the treatment group. Conclusion: Heteroxenia fuscescens is beneficial in restoring male sex hormone levels, maintaining a healthy sperm profile, and reducing oxidative stress, all of which lead to an improvement in male rat fertility.