Effect of Co-administration of Agnus castus Aqueous Leaf Extract and Cadmium Chloride on Testicular Function Indices

Background: Cadmium toxicity is an environmental health menace in developing countries, which can result damage to the male reproductive system. The mechanisms of cadmium include increase lipid peroxidation, depletion glutathione, reduction protein-bound sulfhydryl groups, and oxidative stress. Agnus castus has been differently reported for its strong antioxidant potential reproductive-enhancing properties. These two properties make plant viable possible amelioration toxicity. Objectives: This study was carried out investigate effect aqueous leaf extract on testicular function indices chloride-treated rats. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats (100 - 160) g, Rattus norvegicus strain, were randomly distributed into five different each containing animals. animals grouped as follows. Group A (control group) received distilled water, group B 6.5 mg/kg body weight chloride. Groups C, D, E chloride together with 50 mg/kg, 100 200 castus, respectively. administration done by oral gavage, once daily 21 days. finally sacrificed day 22. serum collected, testis excised indices, hormonal assays, activities. Results: Exposure caused a significant (P < 0.05) testes enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione) compared control group. However, co-treatment leaves resulted cadmium-induced enzymes. decrease testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone when Co-treatment increased levels glycogen, rats’ testes. Conclusions: displayed protective role antioxidants against toxicity, that water only.