Therapeutic effects of Irvingia gabonensis extracts in mitigating lead-induced reproductive damage in male Wistar rats: Restoration of hormonal and oxidative markers

This study investigated the impact of ethanol extract (EEIG) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on reproductive hormones, oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic markers in Wistar rats subjected to lead acetate-induced reproductive damage.The research sought to elucidate the methods by which I. gabonensis mitigates male reproductive toxicity.Forty-five male Wistar rats, aged 8 to 10 weeks, were categorised into nine groups as follows: Group I was administered 1 ml/kg of distilled water (control) for 56 days; Group II was administered 60 mg/kg of lead acetate for 28 days.Groups III, IV, and V were administered 60 mg/kg of lead acetate during the initial 28 days, followed by 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg of EEIG, respectively, for an additional 28 days.Groups VI, VII, and VIII were administered 60 mg/kg of lead acetate for 28 days, thereafter receiving 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of EAF, respectively, for an additional 28 days.Group IX was administered 60 mg/kg of lead acetate for 28 days, thereafter receiving 1 ml/kg of distilled water.All therapies were delivered orally.Measured parameters encompassed FSH, LH, testosterone, SOD, MDA, 8OHdG, TNF-, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2, utilizing established methodologies.The results indicated substantial decreases in FSH, LH, testosterone, SOD, Bcl-2 levels in the lead acetate group, accompanied by elevated levels of MDA, 8OHdG, TNF-, and Caspase 3. The administration of EEIG and EAF counteracted these alterations, with increased dosages demonstrating enhanced restoration of hormone levels and reduced oxidative and inflammatory indicators.This study demonstrates that Irvingia gabonensis possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, effectively mitigating lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.Both ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction showed dose-dependent efficacy in restoring reproductive hormones, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory and apoptotic markers.These findings suggest I. gabonensis as a potential natural therapy for male reproductive damage caused by environmental toxins, warranting further exploration of its clinical relevance and mechanisms.