Observed germ cell loss restoration with improved hematological indices by aqueous Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract in cadmium-induced testicular toxicity on adult Wistar rats

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial pollutant of occupational and environmental concern while Alcalypha wilkesinia (AW) is a medicinal plant rich in natural antioxidant molecules. Objective: To evaluate Anti-toxicity effect of aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf on cadmium. Methods: 25 male wistar rats assigned into 5 groups (n=5) and treated as Control (Distilled water), Group-1 (2 mg/kg CdCl2), Group-2 (2 mg/kg CdCl2 + 400mg/kg AW), Group-3 (2 mg/kg CdCl2+ 800mg/kg AW), Group-4 (2 mg/kg CdCl2+ 1600mg/kg AW) for 14 days and sacrificed on the 15th day for heamatological parameters, biochemical assay and histological analysis Results: Observed were significant decrease (P < 0.05) in mean abnormal sperm and increase in mean percentage motility in Control, Group -2 Group -3 and Group-4 when compared to Group-1 with same trend recorded for the mean testosterone and Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, Packed cell volume (PCV) ,Red blood cell (RBC) count and number of germ cell line. Distorted histoarchitecture of seminiferous tubules was seen in Group-1, 2, and 3, which were improved in Goup-4 compared to normal cells seen in control group. Also, the thickness of the germinal epithelium was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Control and Group-4 compared to Group-1, 2, and 3. Conclusion: Aqueous Acalypha wilkesiana improved biochemical parameters and testicular histoarchitecture in cadmium chloride exposed adult wistar rats.