Ameliorative Actions of Mondia whitei Crude Root Extract on Alcohol-Induced Testicular Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 14, No. 10, October 2024 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2024/IJMMS/140073

Original Research Article

Ameliorative Actions of Mondia whitei Crude Root Extract on Alcohol-Induced Testicular Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Chronic ethanol consumption induces severe testicular damage by generating reactive oxygen species, suppressing steroidogenesis, and elevating lipid peroxidation markers. This experimental animal study examined the protective and restorative potential of a methanolic extract of Mondia whitei roots (MEMW) against ethanol-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult rats were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups: Normal Control, Toxicity Control (ethanol 4.0 g/kg body weight orally), Testosterone reference control (10 mg/kg subcutaneously), and two treatment groups receiving MEMW (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for 28 consecutive days alongside ethanol administration. Reproductive markers, epididymal sperm parameters, testicular tissue lipid peroxidation indicators, and histopathological architecture were evaluated. Oral administration of ethanol caused severe reproductive harm, evidenced by a significant reduction in serum testosterone levels (from 4.52 ± 0.35 ng/mL to 1.12 ± 0.15 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and a sharp drop in sperm motility. Ethanol also significantly increased testicular tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities (p < 0.01). Daily oral treatment with 400 mg/kg MEMW significantly protected against reproductive injury, raising serum testosterone concentrations to 3.24 ± 0.28 ng/mL (p < 0.01 vs. toxicity control) and restoring sperm motility parameters. Furthermore, MEMW reduced testicular MDA levels and preserved endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.01). Histopathology confirmed these findings, showing a preservation of seminiferous tubule structures, reduced cellular desquamation, and active spermatogenesis. Mondia whitei roots possess potent antioxidant and androgenic properties that protect testicular tissue from ethanol-induced oxidative injury.

Keywords: Mondia whitei, Ethanol Toxicity, Testicular Damage, Oxidative Stress, Testosterone, Spermatogenesis

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 15, 2024; Revised: August 24, 2024; Accepted: September 10, 2024; Published: October 15, 2024.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Ameliorative Actions of Mondia whitei Crude Root Extract on Alcohol-Induced Testicular Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2024, 14(10): 73–80. DOI: 10.46882/2024/IJMMS/140073

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