Reproductive toxicity induced by polyethylene glycol and possible protective mechanism of Moringa oleifera in male rats

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used in many pharmaceuticals as a food additive and drug delivery mechanism as a catalyst. Moringa oleifera is considered one of the World’s most valuable trees, as almost every part of the Moringa tree can be used for food, and medication and is rich in phytochemicals. The present study aims to determine the reproductive toxicity of polyethylene glycol and the protective role of Moringa oleifera in male rats. Animals were divided into six groups as follows: control group, MOLE (200 mg/ kg) group, PEG (50 mg/kg) group, PEG (50 mg/kg) + MOLE, PEG (100 mg/kg) group, and PEG (100 mg/kg) group + MOLE. Rats were orally administered their respective doses daily for 45 days. The results showed that treatment with both doses of PEG caused a significant increase in DNA fragmentation, TNFα, IL-6, TBARS, GPx, GST, SOD, Catalase, dead sperm, and total abnormal compared to the control group. While, both doses of PEG caused a significant decrease in mtTFA, PGC-1α, P53, GR, GSH, motile, and viability sperm compared to the control group. The results clearly show that the effect of PEG is dose-dependent. The presence of MOLE with PEG in the combination groups showed a positive protective effect against reproductive toxicity induced by PEG. From these results, MOLE could be used as a protective agent against the reproductive damage caused by PEG.