Costus Afer Ameliorates Lead-Induced Reproductive Alterations in the Pituitary-Testicular Axis: Histopathological and Biochemical Studies

Abstract

Lead is a multiple organ toxicant and an oxidative-stress inducer. The present study investigates the protective effect of Costus afer ethanol leaf extract on lead- induced reproductive damages in male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were weighed and separated into four groups of five rats each. Groups 1 served as control, group two received 1000mg/kg of Lead, and while groups three and four received 400mg/kg and 800mg/ kg of CAEE for 12 days. The reproductive and antioxidant parameters obtained from the result served as scientific evidence in the study. The result showed non-significant increase in testosterone level in groups treated with CAEE when compared with group treated with lead only. Significant increases were observed in the antioxidant enzymes in the groups treated with CAEE in both serum and testicular antioxidant assessment (p<0.05). Mild restoration of the architecture of the pituitary gland were observed in the group treated with high dose of CAEE when compare with lead toxic group. Insignificant alterations were observed in the section of the testes in all the groups. The treatment with CAEE exhibited dose-dependent significant changes in testicular and serum oxidative stress changes induced by lead. Ethanol leaf extract of Costus afer may be protective against lead induced testicular and pituitary gland damage.