Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Momordica charantia on Testicular Marker Enzymes and Gonadotrophic Hormones in Cadmium-induced Gonadotoxic Rats

To investigate pre-treatment effects of Momordica charantia (MC) leaf against cadmium-induced gonad toxicity in male rats. Thirty male wistar rats weighing 200-300g were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C) of ten rats each. Group A received normal saline orally. Group B was treated with 2.5mg/kg bwt cadmium subcutaneously while group C were pre-administered with 300mg/kg bwt MC extract orally before treating with subcutaneous cadmium 2.5 mg/kg bwt. Animals were treated every other day for six weeks. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were evaluated. Testis alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) activities were also evaluated. Histology of testis and accessory organs of reproduction was studied. The results showed significant (p< 0.05) decrease in serum testosterone, LH, ALP, LDH and G-6-PDH levels in rats treated with cadmium. Histology showed varying degree of cellular degeneration in the testis and accessory organs of reproduction of rats treated with cadmium. However, pre-treatment with extract of MC improved testosterone, LH, ALP, LDH and G-6-PDH levels. We concluded that leaves of MC possess potentials to restore deranged levels of gonadotrophic hormones and testicular marker enzymes observed in heavy metal-induced gonads damage.
Source: International Journal of Phytomedicine - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research