Anti-Infertility Effects of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in the Reproductive System of Wistar Rats
D. I. Izunwanne *
Department of Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
E. E. Ekpo
Department of Physiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Male infertility associated with exposure to environmental toxicants has become a significant public health concern worldwide. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), a widely recognised industrial pollutant, is known to induce severe reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, hormonal imbalance, and testicular damage. The search for safer, affordable, and natural therapeutic agents has therefore intensified.
Aim: This study evaluated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina, administered singly and in combination, against CCl₄-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.
Methods: Fresh leaves of O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina were processed into aqueous extracts and subjected to phytochemical analysis. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups, and reproductive toxicity was induced using carbon tetrachloride. Group I served as the normal control, group 2 received CCl₄ only, group 3 received CCl₄ followed by OG extract, group 4 received CCl₄ followed by VA extract, while group 5 received CCl₄ followed by a combined extract of OG and VA. The plant extracts were administered orally at doses of 208 mg/kg for OG and 52 mg/kg for VA for a treatment period of two weeks. Key reproductive parameters assessed included sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, semen pH, testicular weight, and serum reproductive hormone (testosterone).
Results: The results demonstrated that exposure to CCl₄ significantly impaired sperm quality and reduced testosterone levels. However, treatment with O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina, particularly in combination, significantly improved sperm parameters, restored hormonal balance, and preserved testicular architecture. These effects may be attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties of the bioactive phytochemicals present in the plant extracts.
Conclusion: Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina exhibited significant protective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced reproductive damage in male Wistar rats. Their combined administration appeared to offer synergistic benefits, suggesting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing toxin-induced male infertility. This study provides scientific support for the traditional use of these plants and contributes to the growing field of plant-based reproductive therapeutics.
Keywords: Male infertility, reproductive toxicity, carbon tetrachloride, Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, testosterone, sperm motility, sperm count, sperm morphology, testicular weight, semen pH, Wistar rats