IJAR.2023.217

Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 11; Issue 4 (December 2023)

Page No.: 8761-8777

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2023.217

Ameliorative Potential of Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium on Plasmodium-induced Gonadotoxicity in Swiss Mice

Philip MaseAlice J. Peter 1, Innocent A. Edagha 1,1a, Aniekan I. Peter 1, John A. Udobang 2, Balakumo E. Kia 1, Ikanna E. Asuquo 1, Moses A. Ataben 1, David O. Edem 3.

1 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

1a Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya

2 Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.

3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. 

Alice J. Peter ORCiD: 0000-0002-4595-4911,

Innocent A. Edagha ORCiD: 0000-0002-5979-7048

Aniekan I. Peter ORCiD: 0000-0002-1155-6368

John A. Udobang ORCiD: 0000-0002-1235-2826

Balakumo E. Kia ORCiD: 0000-0001-7570-3067

Ikanna E. Asuquo ORCiD: 0000-0002-4779-0711

Moses A. Ataben ORCiD: 0000-0001-9312-2362

David O. Edem ORCiD: 0000-0001-5277-6167

Corresponding author: Innocent A. Edagha, PhD, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. E-Mail: innocentedagha@uniuyo.edu.ng; innocentedagha@mu.ac.ke

ABSTRACT 

Background: Polyherbal decoctions are frequently utilized by some Africans for anti-malaria treatment because they are readily accessible, and assumed low toxicity despite possible gonadotoxicities. We investigated ameliorative potential of anti-plasmodial plants Azadirachta indica (AI) and Gongronema latifolium (GL) on Plasmodium-induced gonadotoxities.

Materials and methods: Adult male Swiss mice (n = 50) were allotted into 10 groups of (n = 5) animals. All groups were parasitized with 1 × 106P. berghei inoculum for three days except for groups 1 and 10; (normal control [NC]) and (non-parasitized mice administered Arthemeter-Lumefantrine [AL]). Group 2 was parasitized non-treated (PNT), groups 3 and 4 received low and high doses AI (86.60 and 259.81 mg), groups 5 and 6 received low and high doses GL (337.27 and 1011.80 mg), Groups 7, and 8 received low doses AI + GL (86.60 + 337.27 mg), and high doses AI + GL (259.81 + 1011.80 mg), while Group 9 received AL (8 mg), all odes via oral gavage per kg body weights, respectively. Rectal temperature, seminal/hormonal, testicular morphometry and histology assessments were evaluated using standard protocols.

Results: Concurrent administration of AI and GL alleviated pyrexia and parasitemia in test groups, compared to NC and PNT groups. Testosterone concentrations were reduced in parasitized groups compared to NC, while sperm parameters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in PNT and high AI + GL extract groups, but improved in combined low dose with testicular histoarchitecture. Conclusions: AI and GL concurrently administered at low doses mitigate P. berghei-induced gonadotoxicity better than as singly.    

Keywords: Anti-Malaria, Azadirachta Indica, Gongronema Latifolium, Gonadotoxicity, Histology.

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Cite this article: Alice J. Peter, Innocent A. Edagha, Aniekan I. Peter, John A. Udobang, Balakumo E. Kia, Ikanna E. Asuquo, Moses A. Ataben, David O. Edem. Ameliorative Potential of Azadirachta indica and Gongronema latifolium on Plasmodium-induced Gonadotoxicity in Swiss Mice. Int J Anat Res 2023;11(4):8761-8777. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2023.217