Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and antioxidant efficacy of polyherbal male fertility supplements in lead-acetate-induced albino rats

Male infertility is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with increasing reliance on herbal supplements for treatment. While these supplements are believed to enhance fertility due to their antioxidant properties, concerns about their heavy metal content and long-term safety persist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the heavy metal content and antioxidant potential of three polyherbal male fertility supplements commonly sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 120 male albino rats were acclimatized, weighed, and divided into five groups (positive control, negative control, Libron, Mascum, and Energy 3000; n=16 per group). Lead acetate (60 mg/kg) was used to induce infertility over three weeks, followed by oral administration of herbal supplements over eight weeks. Doses were extrapolated from human therapeutic doses using OECD guidelines. Rats were sacrificed at two-week intervals after overnight fasting, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture under chloroform anesthesia. Serum levels of s u p e r o x i d e d i s m u t a s e ( S O D ) a n d malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed using ELISA, while heavy metal content in supplements was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23), ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc test at p<0.05. All supplements demonstrated antioxidant potential, with Libron and Energy 3000 showing sustained SOD elevation and MDA reduction. However, cadmium levels in Libron (0.514 mg/kg) and Mascum (0.912 mg/kg) exceeded WHO limits (0.3 mg/kg). The antioxidant effect of Mascum declined over time, specifically by week 8, likely due to heavy metal interference. Thus, Energy 3000 had the safest heavy metal profile. The findings from this study infer that these polyherbal supplements may offer antioxidant benefits in male infertility but also pose potential risks due to heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium. Therefore, long-term usage without regulation could lead to tissue damage.