Stress In Male Wistar Rats Research Articles

Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats: Protective Role of STC30, a Polyherbal Formulation

Background: Cadmium, one of the most toxic heavy metals but which finds its presence in many applications and the environment impairs male reproductive function via oxidative stress. There is a growing interest in the development and usage of polyherbal remedies with high antioxidant base. Super Life Total Care (STC30) is one of such remedies. There is however paucity of information on most of its claimed effects and Cadmium-induced male reproductive toxicity. Methods: Twenty male wistar rats were separated into control, Cadmium-only, STC30-only and Cadmium+STC30 groups of 5 rats each. Once daily administration was for 28 days after which blood and testicular samples collected for determination of relevant parameters. Results: Results showed a significantly reduced (p<0.05) sperm count in the Cadmium-only compared with the control though significantly lower (p<0.05) in the Cadmium+STC30 compared with the STC30-only groups. Sperm motility was significantly reduced in STC30-only but increased in STC30-only compared with control. It was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the STC30-only and Cadmium+STC30 than in the Cadmium-only groups. Sperm viability was significantly reduced in the Cadmium-only compared with control. Teratozotospermia was significantly elevated in the Cadmium-only compared with the control but lower in the Cadmium+STC30 and STC30-only compared with Cadmium-only groups. Serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control groups. Testicular malomdialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control groups, but lower in STC30-only and STC30+Cadmium than in the Cadmium-only groups though higher in Cadmium+STC30 than in the STC30-only groups. Testicular superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities as well as total antioxidant capacity were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control but higher in the Cadmium+STC30 than in the Cadmium-only groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, STC30 ameliorates Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male wistar rats.

Assessment of Dichlorvos, Cypermethrin, Synthetic Camphor, Pinenes, and Kerosene: Impact on Testosterone Levels, Glutathione Concentration, and Testicular Histology in Male Wistar Rats

Pesticides are integral to modern agriculture and public health but pose significant risks to human and environmental health. This study investigates the impact of selected pesticides on male reproductive health via inhalation in an improvised chamber. Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups and exposed to individual pesticides and a combined mixture to determine lethal doses. Tissue samples from 54 rats were analyzed histologically and biochemically for effects on testes and epididymides, with measured serum testosterone and GSH levels. Sniper consistently showed the highest significant decrease in GSH levels across all exposure levels (p < 0.05). A significant dose-dependent relationship was observed in the recovery groups from 25% to 75% exposure (p < 0.05). Pesticide exposure led to a substantial decrease in serum testosterone levels in male Wistar rats at 25% (all pesticides, p < 0.05), 50% (DD Force, Sniper, Kerosene, Combined, p < 0.05), and 75% (DD Force, Industrial Camphor, Edible Camphor, Kerosene, p < 0.01) concentrations. Escalating damage in testicular and epididymal structures, with a more pronounced severity at higher exposure levels, including epithelial degeneration, Sertoli cell vacuolation, seminiferous tubule derangement, and ductal atrophy. Increased exposure to high doses of pesticides induces oxidative stress in male Wistar rats which could potentiate decreased testosterone levels and adversely impact the histological architecture of the testes and epididymides. Pesticide detoxifications are somewhat evident following withdrawal from the environmental insults. Significant and persistent damage occurred at higher levels, suggestive of substantial reproductive toxicity following exposure.

Antioxidant Effects of Whey Protein as a Dietary Supplement to Alleviate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

The liquid whey is a byproduct produced during cheese making. Cadmium is a highly hazardous heavy metal with cumulative toxic effects. The present research work was done to clarify the possible role of whey proteins in alleviating cadmium-induced oxidative stress. The used rats were allotted equally and randomly into three experimental groups; untreated control, cadmium-exposed, and cadmium-exposed and whey protein-administered groups. The biochemical and haematological assays of rats exposed to cadmium (group 2) manifested significant alterations compared to those of untreated control animals. Concerning the biochemical serum profile, group 3 animals showed relatively increased levels of total proteins, significant increments of total thiols, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase, and significant decrements in the levels of blood cadmium, alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, bilirubin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the animals exposed to cadmium (group 2). Homogenates of liver and kidney tissues obtained from group 3 animals demonstrated similar results to that revealed by the serum assay. It was concluded that whey proteins as a dietary supplement can offer potential antioxidant properties that enable these supplementary proteins to alleviate cadmium-induced oxidative stress.

L-Arginine Supplementation Mitigates Dichlorvos-Induced Haematocardiotoxicity, and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

L-Arginine Supplementation Mitigates Dichlorvos-Induced Haematocardiotoxicity, and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Effects of Energy Drinks and Flunitrazepam on Some Cardiac Biomarkers, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of some energy drinks on cardiac biomarkers (tropin and creatinine phosphokinase) and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. 45 Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. Group 1 received distilled water; Group 2 received an energy drink (A) (3.75 mg/kg). Group 3 energy drink (A) (7.5 mg/kg) Group 4 received energy drink (B) (3.75 mg/kg). Group 5 energy drink (B) (7.5 mg/kg) Group 6 received flunitrazepam (0.03 ml/kg), Group 7 received 3.75 ml/kg of energy drink (A) and 0.03 ml/kg of flunitrazepam, and Group 8 received 3.75 ml/kg of energy drink (B) and 0.03 ml/kg of flunitrazepam. The result showed that in Group 2, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in cardiac troponin kinase and no significant change in bicarbonate. Group 3 showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of cardiac troponin, a significant increase (p<0.05) in creatine kinase, and no significant change in bicarbonate. Group 4 showed a significant (p > 0.05) decrease in cardiac troponin and creatine kinase and no significant change in bicarbonate. Group 5 showed a significant (p > 0.05) decrease in cardiac troponin and creatine kinase and no significant change in bicarbonate when compared to the control group. Group 6 showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in cardiac troponin and a decrease (p>0.05) in creatine kinase, but no significant change in bicarbonate. Group 7 showed a significant decrease in cardiac troponin and creatine kinase and no significant change in bicarbonate level when compared to the control group. Group 8 showed a decrease in cardiac troponin and creatine kinase. It was concluded therefore that the consumption of energy drinks and Flunitrazepam led to an increase in oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Use of Lactoferrin Supplement as an Efficient Antioxidant to Ameliorate the Effects of Mercury-induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The present study was carried out to test the antioxidant activity of lactoferrin as a dietary supplement to alleviate the effects of oxidative stress induced by mercury toxicity. Hematological and biochemical assays were employed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of lactoferrin. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were allotted randomly and equally into three groups; animals in Group 1 served as untreated control, animals in Group 2 were administered orally with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) at the dose of 6 mg/kg bw/day, and animals in Group 3 were administered with HgCl2 at the same dose and orally dosed with lactoferrin (400 mg/kg bw/day). Hematological indices (erythrocytic and total leukocytic counts, hemoglobin concentration%, and packed cell volume, (PCV%), and biochemical parameters (serum and homogenates of liver and kidney tissues) were assessed in all animals. Serum and tissue homogenate levels of total thiols, glutathione (GSH), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) represented the antioxidant markers. The oxidation markers were represented by H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Compared to the untreated control group, animals in Group 2 (administered with HgCl2) exhibited significantly increased levels of serum enzymes (alanine transferase (ALT), aspertate transferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase), urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, H2O2, and MDA. These animals showed significantly decreased levels of erythrocytic and total leukocytic counts, hemoglobin concentration, PCV%, total proteins, total thiols, GSH, catalase, and TAC. The hematological and biochemical changes were comparatively reversed toward the control levels in animals of Group 3 (administered with HgCl2 and orally dosed with lactoferrin). The reversed levels of hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different compared to Group 2. Conclusions: Based on the encountered amelioration of the assayed hematological and biochemical parameters in animals treated with HgCl2 and given lactoferrin, it could be concluded that lactoferrin as a dietary supplement might function as an efficient antioxidant to alleviate the oxidative stress induced by mercury toxicity.

Honey Attenuates Phenylhydrazine-Induced Hematotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance produced by bees using nectar from flowers. Due to its complex chemical composition, it has been widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The present study evaluated the protective role of honey in attenuating phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats with a weight range of 200-250g were used for the study. They were allocated into four (4) groups consisting of five (5) rats each. In the first phase of the experiment, animals in group I (control) received distilled water while animals in groups II, III and IV received 2ml of 15, 30 and 60% honey respectively by oral gavage. In the second phase, haematotoxicity and oxidative stress were induced by intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine (PHZ) at 50 mg/kg to all twenty (20) animals, daily for two (days). The animals continued to receive distilled water and honey as in phase one. Blood collected from animals was analyzed for haematological and oxidative stress parameters following standard laboratory procedures. Results from the present study show significantly increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell, total white blood cell and neutrophil counts among the experimental groups compared to the control (p<0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels increased among the honey-supplemented experimental groups compared while MDA levels reduced compared to the control (P<0.05). The study concludes that oral supplementation of honey may have protected against phenylhydrazine-induced toxicity evidenced by increased packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell and neutrophile counts, catalase and superoxide dismutase as well reduced malondialdehyde. The present evidence suggests that honey could attenuate haematotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by phenylhydrazine.

Effects of supplementation with biofortified sweet potato leaf flour on metabolism, adiposity and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Effects of supplementation with biofortified sweet potato leaf flour on metabolism, adiposity and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Melatonin attenuates cardiac injury caused by chromium-mediated oxidative stress in male Wistar rats: involvement of antioxidative mechanisms

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health concern due to its high mortality. Heavy metals are the potential risk factor for CVD. Among other heavy metals, chromium (Cr) is considered a serious threat to human health due to its high oxidative capacity. In the current study, male Wistar rats were treated with Cr to induce cardiac tissue injuries, meanwhile, melatonin was given to test whether this treatment can protect against Cr-induced cardiac damage. The results showed that Cr markedly altered the heart weight, biomarkers of oxidative stress, activities of antioxidant and pro-oxidant enzymes, as well as tissue morphology. On contrary, melatonin treatment significantly suppressed all these alterations via its antioxidant activity. In addition, melatonin also significantly reduced tissue Cr concentration probably through its metal-chelating activity. The current study has demonstrated that melatonin is a promising antioxidant to protect the heart from Cr-induced oxidative damage, confirming that melatonin can be a future therapeutic agent for Cr-mediated toxicity in the heart or other organs.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and Acute Stress Attenuation: An Interventional Rodent Study

Introduction: Stress activates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis leading to the release of glucocorticoid that mediates the stress response. This adaptive response is self-limited but if persistent for prolonged periods can lead to disease states. Nature has endowed the body with efficient buffer systems to attenuate the stress effects and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone with neuromodulatory functions is implicated as an efficient candidate to buffer stress. Aim: To assess the effect of prophylactic administration of DHEA in the attenuation of acute stress in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was carried out at centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, between June 2021 and August 2021, in compliance with the animal welfare guidelines of CPCSEA, and in accordance to the protocol approved by Institutional animal ethics committee. The 18 male Wistar rats approved for the study were segregated into 3 groups with 6 animals in control (no stress) group, 6 in stress group and 6 in intervention group that received DHEA prophylactically 30 min before stress procedure. Animals in stress and intervention groups were subjected to one hour immobilisation stress. Blood samples were collected from all animals after the stress period and serum corticosterone, the stress marker, was estimated. The data were expressed as mean±standard error of mean (mean±SEM) and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the significant difference between the: (i) control & stress groups; (ii) stress & study groups; and (iii) control & study groups. The p-value<0.05 was considered significant. The analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The values of corticosterone in control, stress and intervention groups were 26.6±4.4 ng/mL, 51.6±3.9 ng/mL and 23.4±3.6 ng/mL, respectively. Significant difference in the mean serum corticosterone levels with p-value 0.013 between control and stress groups and with p-value 0.008 between stress and DHEA groups were observed. Conclusion: It could be observed from the findings that prophylactic DHEA administration attenuated acute stress efficiently in male Wistar rats as reflected by the significant decrease in serum corticosterone levels in the group that received DHEA intervention, thus inferring the efficiency of DHEA in stress buffering.

The Effect of Caffeine Supplementation and High Intensity Interval Training on Myocardial Oxidation Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Background and Objectives The role of stress oxidative on cardiac disease prevalence has been studied by researchers and the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have not been specified clearly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HIIT training with caffeine consumption on myocardial oxidative stress in rats. Subjects and Methods Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats per group): control, HIIT (TA), caffeine (CA), and HIIT + caffeine (TA+CA). One hour before exercise, caffeine was injected into the CA and TA+CA groups. HIIT was performed five days a week with 85-90% maximum running speed on a treadmill for eight weeks. Then, 48 hr after the last exercise session and anaesthetization, the left ventricular was removed and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by spectrophotometry. Results The results indicated that MDA levels in the CA+TA and CA groups significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the levels of SOD and CAT significantly increased in the three groups compared to the control group. Conclusion HIIT along with caffeine consumption can protect the cardiac tissue in rats and prevent heart injury.

Ameliorating effects of Rhamnus alaternus L. aqueous extract on aluminum chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Ameliorating effects of Rhamnus alaternus L. aqueous extract on aluminum chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Protective Effect of Hesperetin on Nicosulfuron-Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Nicosulfuron is a post-emergence herbicide used to control weeds while hesperetin found in citrus fruits has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative properties of Hesperetin on Nicosulfuron-induced reproductive oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four male wistar rats weighing 200 ± 20g were assigned to different groups, each with six animals. Group A serves as the control group and were administered distilled water only. Group B received 25 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) Nicosulfuron. Group C were co-administered with 25 mg/kg B.W. Nicosulfuron and 100 mg/kg Hesperetin while animals in group D received 100 mg/kg B.W. Hesperetin. All treatment lasted for 14 days. An increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology (23.07%) in the group exposed to Nicosulfuron was observed. Sperm motility, testicular Ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were reduced significantly in the Nicosulfuron-treated group by 20.33%, 48.11%, and 41.10% respectively. Also, GST, Catalase, and SOD activities were significantly down-regulated in the Nicosulfuron-treated group. Furthermore, as compared to the control group, the Nicosulfuron-treated group had significantly higher activity of testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), MDA, and NO levels. However, co-treatment of Nicosulfuron and Hesperetin significantly ameliorated the Nicosulfuron-induced changes in sperm morphology, motility; testicular ascorbic acid, GSH, NO levels; SOD, CAT, GST, ALP, and ACP activities. The result from this study indicates that Hesperetin, due to its antioxidant properties, protects against testicular oxidative stress induced by Nicosulfuron exposure.

Effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures, Passive Avoidance Learning, and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures, Passive Avoidance Learning, and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Therapeutic effects of crude extracts of Bacopa floribunda on beta-amyloid 1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease via suppression of dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in male Wistar Rats

AimsBacopa floribunda (BF), an African traditional plant and its species have been widely used as brain tonic for memory enhancement. It has also been reported to help relieve anxiety and some psychological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of BF on Amyloid beta (Aβ) 1–42 peptides induced cognitive deficit in male Wistar rats. Main methodsA total of 48 healthy male wistar rats were used for this study. Some groups were pre-treated with 200 mg/kg of BF extracts before a single bilateral injection of Aβ 1–42 while some were post-treated with BF for 21 days after Aβ1-42 exposure. Cognitive performance was evaluated using Y-Maze and Novel Object recognition tests. After treatments, hippocampal homogenates were assayed for the levels of Acetylcholinesterase, Na–K/ATPase activities, glutamate and Aβ1-42 concentrations among others. Key findingsIt was observed that Aβ1-42 caused cognitive impairment and BF extracts especially the ethanol extract was able to significantly (p < 0.05) reverse almost all the perturbations including lipid imbalance caused by Aβ1-42 assault mainly at the post-treatment level. SignificanceAdministration of ethanol and aqueous extracts of BF mitigated the hazardous effect of Aβ1-42 observed in the blood plasma and hippocampal homogenates. In this context, we conclude that BF is an efficient cognitive enhancer that can help alleviate some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Laterality dissociation of ventral hippocampus inhibition in learning and memory, glial activation and neural arborization in response to chronic stress in male Wistar rats

Many studies suggest that animals exhibit lateralized behaviors during stressful situations. However, which brain structure in each hemisphere underlies such lateralized function is unclear. This study, investigated the effects of bilateral and unilateral inhibition of the ventral hippocampus (VH) on chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced memory impairment. Unilateral and bilateral VH cannulation was carried out. After a week of recovery, lidocaine hydrochloride was injected into the rat VH ten minutes before CRS induction for seven consecutive days. Behavioral (Y-maze and Morris water maze; MWM)), and histological (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP, ionized calcium-binding adapter protein-1; Iba-1, as well as Golgi-Cox staining in the VH) studies were performed. The result showed no significant difference between the effect of right-only and left-only of VH inhibition induced by lidocaine on spatial learning and memory and working memory. In addition, lidocaine treated groups were significantly lower in spatial learning and memory and working memory than control groups during non-stress conditions. Furthermore, the dendritic arborization in the right-only, left-only and bilateral VH microinjected lidocaine significantly decreased after the CRS condition compared with the control group. However, lidocaine microinjection resulted in up-regulation levels of GFAP and Iba1 in the right-only, left-only and bilateral of VH and they were higher significantly than that of their control groups after CRS and during non-stress condition. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference between the effect of right-only and left-only of VH inhibition on neuronal arborization and glial cells during non-stress and after the CRS condition. In conclusion, bilateral VH inhibition can give rise to increase CRS-induced memory impairment. These findings were accompanied by elevating GFAP and Iba1 while reducing the dendritic arborization.

Sodium benzoate induces neurobehavioral deficits and brain oxido-inflammatory stress in male Wistar rats: Ameliorative role of ascorbic acid.

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a widely used food preservative. However, excessive intake of a high dose of SB poses a risk of neurotoxicity. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in fruits with reported neuroprotective properties. The present study investigated the neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in SB-treated rats and the ameliorative effect of AA in rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Group 1 (vehicle, 10 ml/kg), Groups 2-4 rats SB (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg), Group 5 AA (100 mg/kg) and Group 6 (SB 600 mg/kg + AA 100 mg/kg). Treatment was daily administered for 28 days by oral route. Anxiogenic behavior, locomotor, and exploratory activities were evaluated in the open field monitored with a camera, and memory performance in Y-maze. Brain oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptosis, and cholinergic markers were determined. The cortico-hippocampal tissues were examined histologically. SB-treated rats showed significant anxiogenic-like behavior and impairment in locomotor, exploratory, and memory performance. This was reversed in SB (600 mg/kg)-treated rats coadministered with AA. SB-treated rats showed a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities, increase malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, caspase-3, and acetylcholinesterase activity in the striatum, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. These biochemical changes were reversed in AA-treated rats. Reduced cortico-hippocampal neuronal cell count and the pyknotic index were found in SB-treated rats, which was also reversed in AA-treated rats. Conclusively, sodium-benzoate-induced neurobehavioral deficits and brain biochemical changes were ameliorated by ascorbic acid probably via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic mechanisms.

The protective effects of vitamins A, C, and E on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)-induced liver oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

The ever-increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in industrial and consumer products leads to concerns about their safety. Liver is one of the most important target organs of nanoparticles after entering the body. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of vitamins (Vit) A, C, and E on ZnO NPs-induced liver oxidative stress. For this task, 54 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups of six: control 1 (water), control 2 (olive oil), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO + VitA, ZnO + VitC, and ZnO + VitE. The animals received ZnO for 2 weeks while treatment with Vit started one week before the ZnO administration. In order to specify oxidative stress status, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status and malondialdehyde were determined by colorimetric assay. In addition, the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated by colorimetric assay kit and qRT-PCR, respectively. Moreover, histological analysis was conducted to estimate the extent of liver damage. Our results indicate that the oxidative parameters are increased while the content of TAC, antioxidant enzymes activity, and gene expression of SOD, GPX, and CAT show a significant reduction in the liver of ZnO-treated rats compared to the control (p< 0.05). In contrast, the administration of Vit could significantly modulate the aforementioned changes. Overall, Vit A, E, and C can mitigate oxidative stress caused by ZnO NPs.

Antioxidant Actions of Freshly Commuted Hexane Extracts of Alchornea Laxiflora Root on Sodium- Arsenate Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

The antioxidant activities of hexane extract of freshly commuted roots (HR) of Alchornea laxiflora on liver damage were examined using in vivo sodium arsenate-induced oxidative damage model in male Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g. The animals were grouped into two groups of four animals, group 1 animals were given 1ml of sodium-arsenate (2mg/kg) for 2 days and then treated with graded dosage (0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg body weight) HR of Alchornea laxiflora for 10days, while group 2 animals were given the same graded dosage HR extract of Alchornea laxiflora for 10 days but in addition, received 1 ml of sodium-arsenate (2mg/kg) from 6th-10th day. At expiration of dosing period, the animals were sacrificed and their blood and organs harvested for estimation of AST, ALT, GGT, Total Bilirubin and Creatinine levels. Pre-treatment with HR extract of Alchornea laxiflora prior to intra-peritoneal administration of 2mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenate reduced significantly (P&lt;0.05), the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, Total Bilirubin and Creatinine level in the serum and liver, showing the hepatoprotective and anti-oxidative capacity of Alchornea laxiflora. Furthermore, the extract evaluated by its capacity of quenching free radicals induced by the sodium arsenate, showed remarkable scavenging effects on the thyl and singlet oxygen free radicals, at concentrations of 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg. These findings suggest the tendencies of HR extract of Alchornea laxiflora to elicit protective actions in sodium arsenate-induced liver damage in rats hence, a protective role against pro-oxidant induced membrane damage.

Contraceptive potential of Andrographis paniculata is via androgen suppression and not induction of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction, although the available data are scarce and inconsistent, and the associated mechanisms are elusive. Hormonal mechanism via hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and non-hormonal mechanism primarily through oxidative stress, are involved in the modulation of male reproductive function. We therefore, hypothesized that suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and/or oxidative stress is involved in Andrographis paniculata-induced reproductive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received either vehicle or Andrographis paniculata in varying doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with Andrographis paniculata led to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. Andrographis paniculata treatment also resulted in distorted spermatogenesis and reduced serum testosterone. On the other hand, Andrographis paniculata led to reduction in the testicular content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, and testicular activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, but raised testicular levels of reduced glutathione content and enhanced activity of super oxide dismutase. However, body weight gain, and absolute and relative reproductive organ weights were similar across all the groups. These findings demonstrate that Andrographis paniculata induces reproductive toxicity via suppression of testosterone and not induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata could be a potential and safe male contraceptive.