ABSTRACT

Cadmium, a pervasive heavy metal, is a significant environmental toxin known to impair male reproductive health by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting spermatogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological and protective effects of T. conophorum on cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rat. In this research, Twenty  (n=20) Wistar male rats were included weighing between 140-245g and subgroups into A, B C and D (n=5) in each: a control group, a cadmium-exposed group (0.5 mg/kg), a combined treatment group administered cadmium followed by T. conophorum and a T. conophorum-treated group (200 mg/kg). Treatment lasted 14 days under standard laboratory conditions. New improved Neubauer counting chamber and Haematoxylin and Eosin were used were used for the analysis of sperm count and histological analysis respectively. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for social science version 26.0. The results indicated a gradual increase in body weight among the treated groups after adminstration of cadmium and T. conophorum. Cadmium exposure significantly reduced testicular weights(Group A (230.33 ± 4.70 g) retains the highest weight after treatment. Groups B (192.67 ± 14.89 g) and D (192.67 ± 26.30 g) remain lower, with no significant changes observed (p = 0.332), sperm motility(Group A (80.00 ± 0.58) shows the highest value. Group B (63.67 ± 3.93) has the lowest value,  likely due to cadmium damage. Group C has 77.67±2.96 and Group D has 76.33±5.04 Statistically significant differences exist (p = 0.044), and morphology(Group D (97.67 ± 0.33) has the highest normal morphology compare to the control Group A. Group B (81.67 ± 2.73) shows the lowest, highlighting cadmium's negative effects. Statistically highly significant differences (p = 0.002), with pronounced histopathological damage to seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05). Photomicrographs revealed disorganization of the tubules and diminished Leydig cell presence. Conversely, T. conophorum treatment markedly improved testicular structure, restored seminiferous tubule integrity, and enhanced sperm parameters, particularly in the combined treatment group (p < 0.05). Intrestingly, T. conophorum demonstrated significant antioxidative and protective effects against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further research is required to optimize dosage and evaluate its clinical applicability in mitigating heavy metal toxicity.