The protective effect of aqueous extract of Typha capensis rhizomes on cadmium-induced infertility in rats

Mavuto Masopera Gondwe; Andile Mpungose; Davie Rexon Kamadyaapa; Mathulo Shauli; Eugene Ndebia; Constance Sewani-Rusike; Jehu Iputo; Adebola Oyedeji

doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2018-0173

Article

The protective effect of aqueous extract of Typha capensis rhizomes on cadmium-induced infertility in rats

Mavuto Masopera Gondwe , Andile Mpungose , Davie Rexon Kamadyaapa , Mathulo Shauli , Eugene Ndebia , Constance Sewani-Rusike , Jehu Iputo and Adebola Oyedeji

Published/Copyright: May 4, 2019

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From the journal Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology Volume 30 Issue 3

Abstract

Background

Typha capensis is one of the medicinal plants commonly used to manage male fertility problems. The objective of the present study was to assess its fertility-promoting effects in a rat model of cadmium-induced infertility.

Methods

A total of 30 male Wister rats were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Animals of group I, which served as control, were administered with cadmium chloride (CdCl₂; 2.5 mg/kg) and normal saline (2 mL/kg). Group II was served with 0.5 mL normal saline only. Animals of groups III–V were treated with CdCl₂ (2.5 mg/kg) plus T. capensis extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were sacrificed under sedation. Testes and epididymal weights and sperm count were determined. Histological assessment of the testes was conducted.

Results

T. capensis at any dose did not improve (p > 0.05) testicular and epididymal weights compared with those of the CdCl₂-exposed control group. Histology revealed moderate necrosis in the same group. T. capensis modestly increased the sperm count by 14%, 31%, and 35%, for groups treated with the extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, when compared with the CdCl₂ control group, although the differences were not significant statistically (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of our study demonstrated that T. capensis can neither offer protective effects against oxidative stress nor promote fertility in an animal model of cadmium-induced infertility.

Keywords: cadmium chloride; male infertility; reproductive health; Typha capensis

Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: None declared.
Employment or leadership: None declared.
Honorarium: None declared.
Competing interests: The funding organization(s) played no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the report for publication.

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Received: 2018-09-23

Accepted: 2019-01-19

Published Online: 2019-05-04

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2018-0173

Keywords for this article

cadmium chloride; male infertility; reproductive health; Typha capensis