Antioxidant Properties of Parquetina nigrescens Methanol Leaf Extract Ameliorates Arsenic-Induced Reproductive Functions Alteration in Male Wistar Rats

This study investigated the effects of Parquetina nigrescens (PN) methanol leaf extract on oxidative stress-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats treated with arsenic trioxide (As). Arsenic is a major water pollutant noted for causing male reproductive toxicity. Parquetina nigrescens is used in traditional medicine for the management of numerous diseases, its leaf is credited with having antioxidant capacities. Forty male Wistar rats (150-180g) were randomly distributed into eight groups: 1 (control), 2 (As: 3mg/kg), 3, 4, 5 (250mg/kg PN, 500mg/kg PN and 1000mg/kg PN), 6, 7, and 8 (As + 250 mg/kg PN, As + 500mg/kg PN, As + 1000mg/kg PN). Oral administration was within 54 days. Spermatozoa from caudal epididymis were assessed for count, motility, progressive motility, viability and percentage of normal morphology. Serum testosterone concentration, testicular tissue concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities were assessed. Sperm count, viability and percentage of normal morphology were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in As group but improved in As groups co-administered 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg PN. Testosterone level was improved in 1000 mg/kg PN and As + 250mg/kg PN in relation to the control and As group. The MDA was significantly increased while SOD declined (p<0.05) in group As.  The SOD increased in groups administered As + 250mg/kg PN, As + 500mg/kg PN, and As + 1000 mg/kg PN. Parquetina nigrescens leaf extract ameliorated arsenic trioxide-induced sperm parameters and testosterone alteration via preventing oxidative stress in male Wistar rats.