Effect of n-hexane extract of oryctes rhinoceros on sperm parmeters and oxidative stress markers in male wistar rats following administration of lead

Gbaranor KB; Tamuno-Opubo A; Okari AK; Stephen-Kalu TN; Ovili-Odili BZ; Saronee F; Edward UF; Enebeli SK; Agbeb NS; Daka I

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i1.924

Authors

Gbaranor KB Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Tamuno-Opubo A Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Okari AK Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Stephen-Kalu TN Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Ovili-Odili BZ Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Delta State, South-South, Nigeria
Saronee F Department of Human Physiology, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Edward UF Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Enebeli SK Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Agbeb NS Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Daka I Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i1.924

Keywords:

Effect, n-Hexane, Extract, Sperm Parmeters, Oxidative Stress Markers, Lead

Abstract

Context: Environmental contamination with heavy metals such as lead remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries where environmental regulations are weak. Lead exposure has been widely associated with oxidative stress, reproductive dysfunction, and systemic toxicity.

Objectives: This study aims at the protective effect of n-hexane extract of Oryctes rhinoceros (white) on sperm parameters and oxidative stress markers in male Wistar rats exposed to lead-induced toxicity.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five (25) adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as the lead control; Group 2 received olive oil only (vehicle control); Group 3 received a low dose of the extract (0.5 ml/kg) plus lead; Group 4 received a high dose of the extract (0.7 ml/kg) plus lead; and Group 5 received a high dose of the extract co-administered with olive oil and lead. Lead toxicity was induced using 70 mg/kg of lead acetate. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while testes were harvested for histological studies.

Results: The results revealed that lead exposure significantly reduced sperm motility, count, morphology, and volume while increasing oxidative stress and significantly decreases serum electrolyte balance. Treatment with Oryctes rhinoceros extract markedly improved sperm quality, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, Gpx). The extract also restored electrolyte concentrations toward normal values, indicating improved physiological stability.

Conclusion: Hence, n-hexane extract of Oryctes rhinoceros demonstrated a strong dose-dependent protective effect against lead-induced reproductive and biochemical toxicity in male Wistar rats. These findings suggest that the Oryctes rhinoceros possesses potent antioxidant and fertility-enhancing properties, offering potential as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating heavy metal–induced infertility.