Effects of Aqueous Extract of Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex Jacq.) on the Histoarchitecture of the Testis following Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Researchers have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of natural products like Crassocephalum rubens against a range of clinical conditions that involve oxidative stress. In this study the effect of an aqueous extract of Crassocephalum rubens (AECR) leaves on the potential of testicular damage from cisplatin was investigated. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (150-240 g) were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 6) and used for the study. Group A was administered 2 ml/kg of distilled water as the normal control; groups B and C were administered 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg AECR, respectively, for 14 days; and cisplatin (5 mg/kg) was administered on days 7 and 14 to both groups. Groups D and E received 450 mg/kg AECR and 5 mg/kg of cisplatin, respectively, on days 7 and 14. Cisplatin and extract administration was done intraperitoneally and orally, respectively. Testicular tissue histology was assessed using Hematoxylin and eosin procedures. Statistical data were analysed using ANOVA and the tukey test. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.3405; F = 1.193) in the body weight change when all groups were compared to the control. Testicular weight showed a statistically significant difference in weight reduction (p< 0.0001; F = 16.85) in groups D and E Histological evaluation showed severe histoarchietctural derangement in testicular morphology, with no clearly distinguishable tubular lumen, in the cisplatin only group, while these were ameliorated in the extract treated groups. In conclusion, AECR at 300 and 450 mg/kg possesses protective effect against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity.