Aqueous extract of Loranthusmicranthus Linn leaf alleviates Cadmium-induced Testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal and environmental pollutant, induces oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction, severely impairing male fertility. This study evaluated the protective effects of the aqueous extract of Loranthusmicranthus Linn leaf on cadmium-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides, while acute toxicity studies showed an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating its safety.Thirty rats were divided into five groups: control, cadmium-treated, cadmium with low-dose extract (250 mg/kg), cadmium with high-dose extract (500 mg/kg), and cadmium with vitamin E (200 mg/kg). Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were analysed, alongside oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, TAC) and sperm quality parameters. Cadmium exposure significantly (p˂0.05) reduced body and testicular weights, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing antioxidant markers including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sperm quality. Treatment with the high-dose extract significantly (p < 0.05) restored body and testicular weights, hormone levels, antioxidant status, reduced MDA levels, and improved sperm count, motility, and morphology to levels comparable to the control group, similar to the effects of vitamin E. In conclusion, Loranthusmicranthus Linn leaf extract demonstrates potent antioxidant and protective properties against cadmium-induced testicular dysfunction, underscoring its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing reproductive toxicity.