Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Monodora Myristica (Fresh and Roasted) on Lead Acetate Induced Infertility on Oxidative Stress Markers (SOD, MDA, And CAT) of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Lead toxicity is a major environmental and public health concern associated with oxidative stress and male reproductive dysfunction. Accumulation of lead in testicular tissues has been reported to impair spermatogenesis through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Monodora myristica, a medicinal plant widely used as a spice in Africa, possesses several pharmacological properties including potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities attributed to its rich phytochemical composition.
This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic extracts of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica seeds on oxidative stress markers in the testes of adult male Wistar rats exposed to lead-induced toxicity. A total of thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 120 g and 188 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into experimental groups comprising a normal control group, a lead acetate-treated group, groups administered lead acetate alongside fresh or roasted ethanolic seed extracts, groups pretreated with fresh or roasted extracts prior to lead exposure, and groups administered fresh or roasted extracts only. Lead acetate and the plant extracts were administered orally according to the experimental design.
Biochemical analysis revealed significant alterations in oxidative stress markers following treatment. Administration of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica extracts produced significant effects on catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and lipid peroxidation. However, no significant effect was observed on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The observed antioxidant effects may be associated with the bioactive phytochemical constituents present in the extracts.
The findings of this study suggest that ethanolic extracts of fresh and roasted Monodora myristica seeds possess antioxidant properties capable of ameliorating oxidative stress associated with lead-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Therefore, Monodora myristica may have potential therapeutic value in the management of oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorders.