Can Urtica dioica supplementation attenuate mercury intoxication in Wistar rats?

Abstract

Aim:The objective of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of nettle Urtica dioica (UD) against Hg-induced toxicity.Materials and Methods:A total of 28 rats were equally divided into four groups: the control, the Hg (0.8 g HgCl2/kg in the diet), the UD (1.5 ml UD/rat by gavage), and the Hg+UD group. HgCl2 was daily dissolved in distilled water and immediately mixed with the standard diet. A solution of daily infused fresh nettle leaves in boiling water (16 g in 25 ml) was obtained and then it was administrated by gavage. Biochemical and reproductive markers, in addition to glutathione (GSH) level (liver, kidney and testis) and the histological profiles (testis and epididymis) were evaluated after 1 month exposure.Results:Compared to the control, the levels of glucose, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly raised in the Hg group. In the latter group, the concentrations of Mg, Fe, and Ca were significantly decreased. Besides, Hg+UD group has only showed raised AST activity and reduced Mg level. Concerning the fertility markers, Hg has provoked a significant decrease in the spermatozoa’s concentration and motility and in plasma testosterone level as well. Furthermore, hepatic, renal and testicular GSH concentrations have declined significantly in the Hg treated rat compared to the control. A remarkable enhancement of the GSH level was observed in all organs of the UD group. The histological examinations of the Hg group have revealed marked testicular degeneration of the most seminiferous tubules, and showed few sperms in the lumen of epididymis ducts. However, the Hg+UD rats have demonstrated an improved histological structure with the presence of important numbers of sperms in the lumen. In addition, a clear stabilization of organized seminiferous tubules and an increased sperms’ numbers were noted in the UD supplemented rats.Conclusion:Nettle leaves have not only played a clear protective role during Hg intoxication, but it also enhanced hepatic, renal and testicular GSH level of Wistar rats.

Etlingera hemisphaerica Blume attenuates male reproductive toxicity due to mercury chloride in Mus musculus

“…Meanwhile HgCl 2 (5 mg/kg bw) treatment was followed by LE3H (0.39 mg/g bw) administration on C2 (11.16x10 6 ) was smaller than on C1 and state approach C0 (15.66x10 6 ; Table 5; Figure 5). This result is consistent with previous research, which showed that Hg caused a signi cant decrease in spermatozoa concentration, an evident stabilization of organized seminiferous tubules, and an increase in sperm counts in Urtica dioica (UD) supplemented rats [11]. HgCl 2 -treatment was also found to reduce sperm quantity, increase sperm transit time in the epididymis, and affect sperm morphology.…”

“…However, the consumption of Urtica dioica, a herbal ingredient widely distributed throughout the world, can prevent markers due to HgCl 2 , especially motility and concentration of spermatozoa. The fresh nettle leaf is an inexpensive natural protective herb and plays an essential role in preventing HgCl 2 poisoning [11]. Seminal MDA concentration was previously found to be inversely linked with sperm concentration and motility [12].…”

The effect of lutein and Urtica dioica extract on in vitro production of embryo and oxidative status in polycystic ovary syndrome in a model of mice

“…The mice were assigned in a group in which PCOS was not induced (Control), a group with induced PCOS (PCOS), the PCOS mice group which was administrated 200 mg/kg nettle extract (PCOS+ 200 N) [ 41 ], the PCOS mice group which was administrated 400 mg/kg nettle extract (PCOS+ 400 N) [ 42 ], the PCOS mice group which was administrated 125 mg/kg, lutein (PCOS+ 125 L) [ 41 ], the PCOS mice group which was administrated 250 mg/kg, lutein (PCOS+ 250 L) [ 41 ], and the PCOS mice group which was administrated 200 mg/kg nettle extract and 125 mg/kg lutein (PCOS+NL). The mice were received lutein and nettle extract in gavage form daily, for the next 30 days after induction of PCOS period [ 43 ] (Fig. 1 ).…”

Natural Phytotherapeutic Antioxidants in the Treatment of Mercury Intoxication-A Review

“… 144 HgCl 2 (0.8 g/kg) Male wistar rats Urtica dioica 1.5 ml UD/rat GSH ↑ Fresh nettle leaves are a protective plant that can play a beneficial role in preventing Hg poisoning. 145 HgCl 2 ; (5 mg/kg b.w) Mice Piper cubeba 200mg/kg b.w CAT↑,,MDA (LPO)↓,GST↑, GSH-Px ↑ Piper Cubeba extract improves antioxidant status by increasing GSH-Px, CAT activity and GSH levels in the liver. 146 HgCl 2 ; 2 mg/kg orally single dose Mice Tribulus terrestris extract 5.0 mg/kg MDA (LPO- lipid peroxidation)↓, GST↑, Tribulus terrestris, may afford the protection against acute HgCl 2 toxicity, by reduction of free radical accumulation and GSH depletion.…”