EFFECT OF LEAF AND STEM EXTRACTS OF MUCUNA PRURIENS (L) ON OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN LEAD ACETATE-INDUCED TESTICULAR TOXICITY IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of Mucuna pruriens leaves and stems on hormone levels in lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in wistar albino rats. A total of fifty-four (54) adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into nine (9) groups of six (6) rats in each group. Then, toxicity was induced by administration of 60mg/kg of lead acetate (LA) twenty-four hours before administration of Mucuna pruriens extracts. All the administration was by oral intubation for 28 days as follows: Group A (Normal control) received only food and water. Group B was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and Untreated (Negative Control). Group C (Positive control) was induced with 60mg/kg of LA but was treated with a Standard drug (Clomid- 1.0mg/kg). Group D was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 200mg/kgBW Mucuna pruriens leaves ethanol extract (MPLE). Group E was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 400mg/kgBW of MPLE. Group F was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 600mg/kgBW of MPLE. Group G was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 200mg/kgBW Mucuna prurien sstem ethanol extract (MPSE). Group H was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 400mg/kgBW of MPSE. Group I was induced with 60mg/kg of LA and was treated with 600mg/kgBW of MPSE. Lead acetate (LA) administration resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase but increased the malondialdehyde levels. Treatment with the extracts significantly (P<0.05) reversed the effects of the lead acetate. These findings suggest that Mucuna pruriens ethanol extracts have potential therapeutic effects against lead acetate toxicity. The presence of bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant effects suggests antioxidant mechanisms of Mucuna pruriens ethanol extracts against lead toxicity.