TESTICULO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MORINGAOLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT ON COPPER SULPHATE INDUCED INJURY IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to observe the testiculo-protective effect of aqueous extract of Moringaoleifera seed also known as Moringa seed on copper sulphate induced injury in Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats (200-300g) were randomly selected into four groups (5 rats per group). Group A served as control group and were given 2ml/kg of distilled water. Group B was administered aqueous extract of Moringa seed only (200mg/kg body weight). Group C was administered aqueous extract of Moringa seed (200mg/kg body weight) and copper sulphate (100mg/kg body weight) concurrently. Group D was administered copper sulphate only (100mg/
kg body weight). All administrations lasted for three weeks. Results showed that in group D, there was proliferation of interstitial cells, degeneration of the seminiferous tubules as evidenced by hyalinization and blockage of the tubular lumen by immature spermatogenic series due to an arrest of spermatogenesis. There was also a significant decrease in testosterone level anda significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase level when compared with the control at p< 0.05. In group C rats, the results show mild interstitial connective tissue loosening and normal sequential maturation of spermatogenic series and normal levels of testosterone and lactate dehydrogenase. Conclusively, administration of copper sulphate causes testicular damage as evidenced by testicular hyalinization and arrest of spermatogenesis. However concurrent treatment of the rats with Moringa oleifera seed extract and copper sulphate have no effect on the testes, establishing the fact that Moringa oleifera seed extract offers a protective effect to the testes.

Keywords: Testosterone; Moringa; copper sulphate; wistar rat; Moringa oleifera