Phytomedical Potentials of <i>Chromolaena Odorata</i> Against Arsenic-Induced Testicular Toxicity In Wistar Rats

Abstract

The testicular, sperm and endocrine protective properties of Chromolaena odorata (CA) in arsenic treated rats were investigated using forty male wistar rats (190-200g) grouped into 4 (A to D) of ten rats each. Oral administrations for 2 weeks of 0.2ml corn oil (A), 2.5mg/kg of sodium arsenite (B), 200mg/kg ethanol leaf extract (ELE) of CA (C), 200mg/kg ELE of CA and 2.5mg/kg sodium arsenite given at 1 hour interval (D) were done. Twenty-four hours after final administrations, semen, blood biochemical and hormonal analyses were carried out after sacrifice of the rats. Results revealed that Group C’s mean scrotal circumference, Left and Right testicular weights were highest across groups and significant compared to group B values (p<0.05). Group C had significantly (P<0.05) highest mean value of sperm motility across the groups just as group A was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of groups B and D. Significantly low Testosterone and high luteinizing hormone concentrations were observed in group B. It was concluded in this study that ethanol leaf extract of Chromolena odorata had a profound scrotal, testicular, sperm and endocrine protective properties in arsenic-treated wistar strain albino rats.

Keywords: Chromolaena odorata, Reproductive toxicity, Arsenic, Testicular, Wistar rats