Abstract
Withania frutescens was used previously in traditherapy against poisoning, gastric ulceration, and dysentery treatments. Because no previous studies reporting on its therapeutic effects on male reproductive system and fertility disorders, this study aims to examine its effect on lead induced testicular damages as well as sperm count and hormonal status in rats. The present study is performed to determine their phytochemical compositions using GC-MS analysis, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in-vitro using spectrophotometry and then to estimate testosterone levels, sperm count, histopathological design, as well as spermatogenesis (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices. The experiment is conducted for three months using four groups (Group A: control rats; Group B: exposed rats to lead-acetate; Group C: exposed rats to lead-acetate and 200mg/kg of W. frutescens extract; Group D: treated rats with 200mg/kg of W. frutescens extract). The obtained results show a total of 10 identified components from GC-MS analysis. Whereas a total phenolic content of 63.23 ± 3.82 GAE/g of extract, 25.16 ± 1.21µg/mL of anti-free radical activity, and reducing power of 163.19 ± 6.01µg/mL. A high anti-inflammatory activity is determined by hemolysis inhibition (IC50=12.71± 1.06µg/mL) and protein denaturation inhibition (IC50=6.8 ± 1.23µg/mL). Besides, lead exposure causes histological alterations in testis and decreases serum testosterone level, sperm count, and TDI and SPI indices. No adverse effects have been induced during the treatment with W. frutescens extract. While it is found to enhance the testosterone level without being able to obtain the control level, increase sperm count, attenuate the testicular histopathological effect of lead, and increase TDI and SPI. The findings suggest that W. frutescens is a better source of bioactive compounds, which play an effective role against lead testicular damages. Furthermore, this natural extract can be utilized potentially in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.
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