Lead and Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity: Protective Role of Soursop (Annona muricata) Phytowaste Extract via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: *Ekhator, O.C., Enaibre, F.O., Ahonle, P., Egbe, J.U. And Imoobe, T.O.T.
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18060863
ABSTRACT
Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and testicular dysfunction. This study investigated the protective effects of Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Annona muricata phytowaste (HEEAM) in male Wistar rats exposed to Pb (200 mg/kg) and Cd (100 mg/kg) in drinking water for 90 days. Treatment groups received HEEAM (250 or 500 mg/kg) or zinc-selenium (Zn-Se) supplements. Pb-Cd exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA: 19.58 ± 1.05 nmol/mL), testicular Pb (2.30 ± 0.06 mg/kg), Cd (1.62 ± 0.01 mg/kg), sperm abnormalities (51.20%), interleukin 6 (IL-6 (5.76 ± 1.35 pg/mL), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a (23.18 ± 0.69 pg/mL), while reducing super oxide dismutase (SOD (4.72 ± 0.63 U/mL), glutathione (GSH (3.97 ± 0.01 nmol/mL), and testosterone (0.48 ± 0.02 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). HEEAM at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced MDA (10.21 ± 0.83 nmol/mL), Pb (0.92 ± 0.04 mg/kg), and Cd (0.65 ± 0.02 mg/kg), improved SOD (9.03 ± 0.52 U/mL), GSH (6.02 ± 0.11 nmol/mL), testosterone (1.85 ± 0.04 ng/mL), and lowered IL-6 (2.10 ± 0.36 pg/mL) and TNF-a (12.12 ± 0.48 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). Sperm count, motility, and morphology were also restored. HEEAM outperformed Zn-Se in reducing oxidative stress and metal burden. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids as likely active constituents. These findings highlight Annona muricata phytowaste as a promising, sustainable intervention against heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity.
Affiliations: Faculty of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, Nigeria.
Keywords: Anti-inflammation, Lead, Cadmium, Antioxidant, Toxicity
Published date: 2025/12/30
