Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves Modulates Ciprofloxacin-Induced Oxidant Stress in Testis and Semen of Rats

• E.O Farombi

Infertility can primarily result from oxidative stress induced by the use of various drugs. Recently, many plant derived preparations have been used to treat various ailments due to their antioxidant potential. The modulatory effects of the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOE) were investigated in Ciprofloxacin (CIPX) induced oxidant stress in the testis and semen of rats. Antioxidant status of reproductive organs was assessed by estimating levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Compromised tissue membrane integrity was estimated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase activities (GGT). Testicular sperm number (TSN), daily sperm production (DSP) and sperm morphology were also assessed. Ciprofloxacin induced oxidative stress was indicated by increased H2O2 and MDA levels with corresponding decrease in GSH, GST,GPX and SOD activities. CAT activity however, remained unchanged in testis but SOD activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in semen. CIPX significantly (p < 0.05) induced elevation of GGT activities in both organs as well as LDH in testis only. TSN and DSP were also decreased. MOE significantly increased levels of GSH, GST, GPX and SOD in both organs and significantly restored their depleted levels in testis of CIPX-treated rats. MDA, H2O2, LDH and GGT levels were also modulated in organs as well as TSN and DSP. Histomophormetry showed that MOE attenuated CIPX-induced testicular damage. Our results suggest Moringa oleifera leaves possess antioxidant properties, and as such can mediate in free radical-induced testicular pathophysiologies.

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