AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Citrus sinensis PHYTOWASTE ON TESTICULAR OXIDATIVE STRESS INDUCED BY CO-ADMINISTRATION OF CADMIUM AND LEAD IN WISTAR RAT.

ABSTRACT

The phytowaste gotten from the Citrus sinensis fruit may contain the nutrients and phytochemicals which are present in the fruit, and it may be used to make preparations of pharmaceutical and nutritional value. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrus sinensis phytowaste on testicular induced Cadmium (Cd) and Lead Toxicity. The orange waste (seed, peel and fiber) was separated, and these phytowastes were extracted with distilled water. A total of 25 rats were used and divided into 5 groups. Group one which served as the control group was administered 1mL of distilled water. Group two was administered 1 mg/kg of Cadmium and Lead in their drinking water, the third group was administered 1 mg/kg of Zinc and 1.5 mg/kg of Selenium with 1mg/kg of Cadmium and Lead in their drinking water, and Group 4 and Group 5 were administered 250 and 500 mg/kg of the phytowaste extract with 1mg/kg of Cadmium and Lead in their drinking water. The administration lasted for 30 days, and on the 30^th day the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed. Semen was collected from the epididymis and the testes were excised for Heavy Metal analysis and Antioxidant assay, and blood was collected for testosterone assay. The test carried out were: Heavy Metal Analysis (Cadmium and Lead), Antioxidant marker (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH and SOD), Testosterone Assay, and Semen Analysis (Sperm Count, Sperm Motility, and Sperm Morphology). From the result, the AECSP showed protective effects against Cadmium and Lead induced toxicity in the testes.This could be due to the phytochemicals present in the extract which have antioxidant properties.