Ameliorative Effect of Moringa oleifera (drumstick) Leaf Extracts on Chromium- Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rat Testes

ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ABSTRACT (ENGLISH/ ANGLAIS Exposure to heavy metals has been known for its adverse effects on many body organs and Systems and thus their functions. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the ability of polyphenolic-rich Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract (MoE) in protecting rat testis against chromium-induced impairments based on some histopathological and biochemical clarification. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of ten animals each. The animals were administered either 150pp mg/kg potassium dichromate or 60 mg/kg body/weight of Moringa Oleifera extract (MoE) or the combination, for 100 days. The animals were sacrificed and testicular weight and volume and sperm parameters were determined. Chromium treated groups exhibited a significantly decrease in testis weight/volume, testis weight/body weight ratio, sperm parameters compared to the control and Moringa oleifera treated groups. Concurrent exposure to chromium and Moringa Oleifera extract significantly enhanced the sperm parameters compared to rats exposed to chromium alone. This showed that changes brought about by chromium toxicity were mildly averted by simultaneous treatment of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. This study concludes that chronic exposure to chromium produces marked testicular toxicity which can be prevented by concomitant administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract.