ABSTRACT

Lead acetate, a heavy metal and environmental toxicant, poses significant risks to male reproductive health, including oxidative stress, impaired sperm quality, and structural damage to testicular tissues. This study evaluates the ameliorative potential of curcumin, a natural antioxidant derived from Curcuma longa, in mitigating lead-induced reproductive toxicity using a Wistar rat model. Sixteen male rats were divided into four groups: control, lead-exposed (0.5 mg/kg), curcumin-treated (200 mg/kg), and a combination group receiving both lead acetate and curcumin. The animals were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions and treated for 14 days. Histopathological analysis revealed severe testicular damage in lead-exposed rats, including disrupted seminiferous tubules and increased lipid peroxidation. Seminal fluid analysis showed reduced sperm motility, morphology, and count in the lead-treated group compared to controls. Conversely, the curcumin-treated group demonstrated significant restoration of testicular architecture and improved sperm parameters, nearly matching control levels. Biochemical assays indicated that curcumin’s protective effects were mediated through its antioxidative properties, enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Statistical evaluations confirmed significant differences in reproductive outcomes between lead-exposed and curcumin-treated groups (p < 0.05). These findings highlight curcumin’s potential as a natural therapeutic agent for lead-induced reproductive toxicity. Further research is needed to explore dose optimization, long-term effects, and its clinical applications for developing effective treatment options against heavy metal toxicity.