Ameliorative Potential of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seeds on the Sperm Parameters, Testosterone Level and Testicular Cytoarchitecture of Male Albino Rats Induced with Lead-Acetate
Onyeso Godspower
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Nkpaa Kpobari Williams *
Department of Biochemistry (Toxicology Unit), Faculty of Chemical Science, College of Natural and Applied Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Nwaka Elochukwu
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (C. lanatus; watermelon) seeds on lead-acetate induced testicular toxicity considering the sperm parameters, testosterone level and testicular cytoarchitecture on adult male albino rats. The results showed statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum level of testosterone and a deleterious effect on the sperm motility, count, morphology, viabilityand seminiferous tubular derangement on lead-acetate treated rats when compared with the control group. The methanolic extract of C. lanatus seed from the results showed a corrective effect as against the lead-acetate treated group in relative to the control group. In conclusion it was discovered that methanolic extract of C. lanatus seed has ameliorative potentials to correct the deleterious effect of lead-acetate on male reproductive system.
Keywords: Citrullus lanatus seeds, lead-acetate, testicular toxicity, sperm parameters, testosterone level, testicular cytoarchitecture