Protective potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on rat testicular histology following lead acetate exposure

Background: Moringa oleifera leaves are particularly high in quercetin compared with other flavonoids. Quercetin is known for its strong antioxidant properties. Aim: This study sought to determine the protective effects of ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves on lead acetate-induced testicular histopathological alterations, testosterone suppression, oxidative stress marker (MDA) elevation, and antioxidant enzyme (SOD) depletion in rats. Methods: Twenty-five rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The rats in the negative control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water and 0.5 ml of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC Na) every 4 hours for 21 days. The positive control group (T0) received 0.5 ml of lead acetate solution containing 50 mg/kg BW/day, followed by 0.5 ml of 0.5% CMC Na solution 4 hours later. Groups T1, T2, and T3 were exposed to 0.5 ml of the lead acetate solution (50 mg/kg BW) and subsequently received 0.5 ml of M. oleifera leaf extracts at dosages of 200, 316, and 500 mg/kg BW/ day, respectively, after 4 hours. Treatments were administered orally over 20 days. On day 21, all rats were sacrificed for evaluation of serum and testicular parameters. Results: Lead exposure led to significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the diameter and epithelial thickness of the number of spermatogonia, spermatids, Leydig, seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, and spermatocytes, as well as testosterone levels and SOD activity, while MDA levels increased (p < 0.05). The administration of Moringa leaf extract at 316– 500 mg/kg BW/day helped alleviate these disorders. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaf extract has a beneficial effect on the histological and antioxidant parameters of testes in rats with lead acetate-induced Rattus norvegicus.