Melon seed extract protects against testis metal toxicity

Overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals such as aluminium (Al) and nickel (Ni) can be detrimental to male fertility. However, by-products of agriculture, such as peels, seeds and leaves, are rich in bioactive compounds and might, therefore, be useful as potential protectors of reproductive health. Cucumeropsis mannii is a melon whose seed is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and tannins, the husk of which is burned and becomes incorporated into the soil in Nigeria, where the study was performed. In the same area, crude oil exploration results in high levels of Ni and Al pollution.

In the study, male rats were exposed to Ni, Al or a binary mixture of the two (Ni/Al), which decreased serum gonadotrophins (LH and FSH) and testosterone (T) compared with controls. Co-administration with melon seed husk extract (MSHE) nanoparticles significantly increased FSH, LH and T compared with the metal-only exposed groups; this effect was also seen in rats receiving MSHE alone. Interestingly, prolactin was significantly increased in metal-treated animals, but co-treatment with MSHE reduced these levels and MSHE-only treatment significantly lowered prolactin below the level seen in the metal-treated groups.