Protective effect ofBasella albaandCarpolobia albaextracts against maneb-induced male infertility

Abstract

Context: Male infertility is one of the leading causes of social frustration and marginalization, mainly in the developing world. It is attributed to many factors including exposure to agropesticides such as manganese ethylenebis (dithiocarbamate) (maneb), which is one of the most frequently used fungicides in Cameroon. Previous reports support efficiency of some medicinal plants commonly used in Cameroonian folk medicine for the treatment of this disorder. Objective: The present study was aimed at assessing the protective effect of extracts from selected plant species, namely Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) (MEBa) and Carpolobia alba G. Don (Polygalaceae) (AECa), in alleviating the maneb-induced impairment of male reproductive function in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: The rats were treated with vehicle, plant extract (MEBa or AECa), maneb and maneb plus plant extract, respectively, and their fertility was assessed. Animals were thereafter sacrificed and organs (liver, kidneys and reproductive organs) were dissected out and weighed. Serum androgens together with alanine aminotransferase, liver glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) were also measured. Results and discussion: From this study, both plant extracts stimulated testosterone and improved fertility. Administration of MEBa plus maneb prevented fertility reduction by maneb and minimized the inhibitory effect of maneb on testosterone levels. AECa also improved fertility of the maneb-exposed rats, though without restoring testosterone levels, and other investigated parameters remained unaffected by different treatments. Conclusion: These findings emphasized the beneficial effects of B. alba and C. alba extracts on male fertility, and suggest their protective effect against maneb-induced toxicity in male reproductive function.

Effect of solubilizers on the androgenic activity of Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) in adult male rats

“…30 Indeed, MEBa dissolved in 2% SS could protect male rats against pesticide (maneb) - induced reproductive toxicity. 7 This antioxidant potential of MEBa when dissolved in 2% SS brings further justification of the beneficial effects of starch as solubilizer compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone and other polymers, including gelatin. Indeed, the use of gelatin as vehicle for MEBa administration also led to increased liver TBARS, which are products resulting from membrane lipids degradation.…”

“…The androgenic effect of the MEBa dissolved in 2% SS was previously reported, and the current findings further emphasize on its ability to preserve activity of the bioactive ingredient(s) from the extract. 3,6,7 …”

“…2,4,5 The MEBa increased fecundity of rats exposed to flutamide in utero and alleviated maneb-induced deleterious effects on male reproductive function. 6,7 Its antioxidant activity has been demonstrated using testicular homogenates. B. alba has also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic potetials.…”

Effect ofTypha capensis(Rohrb.)N.E.Br. rhizome extract F1 fraction on cell viability, apoptosis induction and testosterone production in TM3-Leydig cells

“…Similarly, Chen, Hardy, and Zirkin () concluded that the inability of aged rat Leydig cells (from 21 to 24 month old rats) to produce testosterone in the presence of LH in vitro was possibly due to inefficient signal transduction during steroidogenesis. Other plants such as Eurycoma longifolia , Hibiscus macranthus and Basella alba are also reported to boost testosterone levels, thus exhibiting aphrodisiac properties and increasing sexual motivation and performance (Manfo et al., ; Moundipa et al., ; Solomon, Erasmus, & Henkel, ; Tambi, Imran, & Henkel, ).…”

Assessment of profenofos exposure an endocrine disrupting chemical in relation with serum testosterone alterations

“…Exposure to pesticides produces numerous biochemical and physiological alterations in human and their population in the agriculture fields [2,3]. Many pesticides are capable to disrupt the synthesis of sex hormones, which can cause reproductive disorders such agrochemicals have been documented as endocrine disrupting chemicals EDCs [4]. The farmers/spray workers are directly exposed to pesticides through occupational activities and spraying pesticides on crops.…”