The Attenuating Effect of the Aqueous Extract of the Flower of Opuntia Ficus Indica Against Lead-Induced Reprotoxicity in the Wistar Rat

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the beneficial effect of Opuntia ficus indica flower aqueous extract against lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity in male Wistar rats administered orally for 4 weeks. These are divided into 6 groups: the control group (C), 2 positive controls treated with the aqueous extract of the flower of Opuntia ficus indica F1 and F2 respectively (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg of body weight/day) ;1 group treated with lead (50 mg/kg body weight/ day) and 2 groups of combined treatment treated with lead and aqueous extract of opuntia ficus indica flowers (F1 + Pb), (F2 + Pb).Extracts of Opuntia ficus indica flowers are the subject of a phytochemical study. After 30 days of oral administration, the absolute weight of the testicles and of the epididymis, the plasma levels of testosterone are evaluated; in addition to sperm biology parameters (concentration, motility, vitality, velocity (VCL, VSL and VAP), cross-level (BCF) and DNA fragmentation test are evaluated by the CASA system. Testicular glutathione and epididymal (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are also evaluated. The results obtained show a significant reduction in testosterone levels, absolute testicular and epididymal weights, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, BCF, GSH and GPX as well as an increase in dead spermatozoa and MDA in the group treated with lead (Pb) compared to the control group (C) and the positive controls, the administration of the aqueous extract of the flowers of opuntia ficus indica in the combination groups (F1+Pb and F2+Pb) caused an attenuating effect against lead-induced toxicity. Even the phytochemical study confirms that the methanolic extract of Opuntia ficus indica extract is rich in tannins and flavonoids.