Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part A (2021)

Author(s): Boufack Judith Laure, Guiekep Nounamo Arthénice Jémima, Vemo Bertin Narcisse, Fonou Tadiesse Lavoisier, Tsambou Megnimeza Martine Astride, Menkem Brice, Ngaleu Djieudeu Claude Cédric, Yidjieu Nana Ferry and Kenfack Augustave

Abstract: Paraquat is a contact herbicide, particularly effective for weeds control. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of ethanol extract of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (EEAL) seeds on reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress caused by paraquat in male Guinea pigs. 60 male guinea pigs were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups (n = 8) which orally received varied concentration of solutions for 115 days. Group 1 (G1) received distilled water; group 2 (G2) was given 4 mg kg-1 of body weight of paraquat (PQ), group 3 (G3) received 4 mg kg^-1 bw of PQ and 100 mg kg^-1 bw of Vitamin C (Vit C) while groups 4, 5 and 6 were co-treated with PQ (4 mg kg^-1) plus EEAL at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 bw respectively. Serum testosterone, total cholesterol, the reaction time, sexual organ weights, sperm count, motility and anomalies (minors and majors), spermatozoa with entire plasma membrane, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total peroxidases activities were assessed. Result showed that the co-administration of paraquat and EEAL significantly (p<0.05) reduced the reaction time, serum concentrations of testosterone and total cholesterol, sperm anomalies and testicular levels of MDA, SOD, CAT, peroxydases and total proteins compared to the receiving paraquat only group. The co-administration of paraquat and EEAL significantly (p<0.05) alleviated sperm count and motility, percentage of spermatozoa with the normal plasma membrane, seminal vesicle and prostate weights with reference to guinea pigs given PQ only. In conclusion, paraquat negatively affected animal reproductive function and induced oxidative stress. The co-administration of EEAL alleviated the toxic effects of paraquat on the reproductive function of male guinea pigs.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2021.v6.i4a.363