Protective Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Quercetin Against Mercury-Induced Reproductive and Hepatic Toxicity in Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/njbmb.v40i1.4Keywords:
Keywords: Antioxidants, Mercury chloride, Moringa, Quercetin, Reproduction,Abstract
Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) is a toxic heavy metal known to adversely affect various physiological systems, including the male reproductive system. This study evaluated the protective effects of M. oleifera extract and quercetin, against HgCl₂-induced reproductive and hepatic toxicity in experimental rats. Thirty (30) male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6): Control (no treatment), HgCl₂ (4 mg/kg), HgCl₂ + M. oleifera (30 mg/kg), HgCl₂ + quercetin (30 mg/kg), M. oleifera alone, and quercetin alone. All substances were administered orally for 30 days. Following treatment, blood and tissue samples (liver, testes and epididymis) were collected for biochemical, histological, and semen analyses. Rats exposed to HgCl₂ showed significant reductions in liver, testes, and epididymis weights, along with impaired sperm parameters (count, motility, viability) and decreased serum testosterone levels (p < 0.05). Co-treatment of HgCl2 with M. oleifera or quercetin significantly improved these outcomes, restoring reproductive indices toward normal levels. Antioxidant activity was enhanced in the treatment groups, evidenced by significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), with a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, liver enzyme profiles and the TC/HDL cholesterol index improved significantly (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation revealed partial restoration of testicular architecture in treated groups, while epididymal tissues remained unaffected. These findings suggest that M. oleifera extract and quercetin mitigate mercury-induced testicular and oxidative damage, highlighting their potential as adjunct therapies in managing heavy metal-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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