Hexane fraction of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) ethanol seed extract ameliorates busulfan-induced testicular damage while aqueous fraction enhances testis function in normal rats

Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) seeds (FPS) shows promise in supporting testis health. This study examines the effects of two FPS extract fractions: the hexane (HEX) fraction against busulfan (Bu)-induced testicular damage, and the aqueous (Aq) fraction on normal testicular histomorphometry in rats. Tubular germ cell disruption was induced with Bu (15 mg/kg body weight, two injections, once weekly for 14 days) following administration of HEX (50–200 mg/kg body weight) for 54 days. In a separate study, the Aq fraction (50–200 mg/kg body weight) was administered to normal rats three days weekly for 54 days. The control animals in both studies were administered corn oil only (2 mL/kg body weight). At the end of the study, rat testes were harvested for biochemical analysis of oxidative stress markers (glutathione, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation), testicular enzymes (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatases), and stereological evaluation using Image J software. HEX extract restored glutathione, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, testicular marker enzymes, and histological features to control levels in Bu-treated rats. The tubular and luminal diameter, area of seminiferous tubules, tubular length per gram tissues, epithelial thickness and Leydig cells (LCs) numbers in the Bouin’s-fixed tissue sections of the Aq extract treated rats were found to increase with dose of extract but without change in spermatogenesis score index, spermatocytes, spermatogonia and Sertoli cell numbers. In conclusion, FPS extracts promoted testicular health in rats, with the Aq extract enhancing LCs population, and the HEX fraction mitigating Bu-induced histological damage and oxidative stress, preserving seminiferous tubule integrity and supporting active spermatogenesis.