Effect of aqueous seed extract of Mucuna pruriens on arsenic-induced testicular toxicity in mice

To investigate the protective effects of Mucuna (M.) pruriens against arsenic-induced testicular impairment in albino mice. Methods: Thirty-six male albino mice were divided into six groups, with 6 mice in each group. Group 1 received drinking water as the normal control. Groups 2 to 6 received sodium arsenite (40 mg/L) in drinking water. Group 3 received sodium arsenite (40 mg/L) and 300 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of N-acetylcysteine. Group 4 received sodium arsenite (40 mg/L) and 500 mg/kg b.w. of M. pruriens. Group 5 received sodium arsenite (40 mg/L) and 1 000 mg/kg b.w. of M. pruriens. Group 6 received sodium arsenite (40 mg/L) and 2 000 mg/kg b.w. of M. pruriens. N-acetylcysteine and M. pruriens were administered orally once a day. Animals were subjected to the above treatments for 45 days. Animals were sacrificed with overdose of ketamine 24 h following drug administration. The testis was used for biochemical estimations (lipid peroxidation and glutathione), and the epididymis was used to determine the sperm count and morphology. Results: Sodium arsenite significantly decreased (P<0.01) the sperm count and glutathione levels of the testis. It significantly increased (P<0.01) the abnormal architecture of the spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation levels. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly increased the sperm count and the glutathione levels [500 mg/kg b.w. and 1 000 mg/kg b.w. (P<0.01)]. A significant decrease in sperm abnormality and lipid peroxidation levels [500 mg/kg b.w. and 1 000 mg/kg b.w. (P<0.01)] was also observed. Conclusions: The perturbed sperm parameters and antioxidant levels of the arsenic insulted testis are attenuated by 500 mg/kg b.w. and 1 000 mg/kg b.w. M. pruriens.