Anti-toxic principle from Moringa oleifera but not Myristica fragrans ameliorated Sodium Arsenite-induced toxicity on testes and sex hormones of rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the repro-protective potentials of MOF6 (isolated from Moringa oleifera leaves) and Trimyristin (TR) (isolated from Myristica fragrans seeds) in sodium arsenite (SA)-induced toxicity in rats. Sixty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 3 received 9-week administrations of physiological saline and olive oil, respectively. Group 2 received 20 mg/kg bodyweight SA-only for 3 weeks and was untreated for 6 weeks. Groups 4–7 received a 3 week SA dose, followed by 6 weeks post-treatments with 5 mg and 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight MOF6, 15 mg, and 30 mg/kg bodyweight TR, respectively. Groups 8–11 received only MOF6 doses (6 weeks) or TR doses (9-weeks). Groups 12 and 13 received 6-week administrations of high-doses of MOF6 and TR, respectively, followed by 3-week co-administrations of SA with extracts’ high doses. Testicular histopathology, sperm cell count (SCC), and plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were evaluated. Results showed testicular histopathology in Group 2 compared with normal testicular histology in Groups 4–7. FSH levels were normal in all groups. Statistical analyses showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased levels of SCC, LH, and testosterone in Groups 2, 6, and 7, compared with Groups 1, 4, and 5. Overall, MOF6 but not TR ameliorated SA-induced toxicity on the testes and sex hormones of rats.