Effects of Spondias mombin aqueous leaf extract against heavy metals-triggered changes in hematological, antioxidant and semen quality indices in Male Wistar rats

The ameliorative effect of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin (SM) on hematological, antioxidant and semen quality indices in Wistar rats exposed to heavy metal toxicants (mercury and cadmium) was investigated. Thirty (30) male rats weighing 120 - 150g randomly divided into ten (10) groups were used in the study. Group-A (Control) received normal rat feeds and distilled water ad libitum; Groups-B and -E received CdCl₂ and HgCl₂ respectively. Groups -C and -F rats were co-administered with CdCl₂ or HgCl₂ and 500 mg/kg b. w. of SM daily, Groups -D and -G received toxicants and 100 mg/kg b. w. of silymarin, Group-H rats were exposed to a combination of CdCl₂ and HgCl₂ toxicants. Group-I rats were administered with both toxicants and SM while Group-J received CdCl₂, HgCl₂ and silymarin. The experiment lasted for 28 days at the end of which semen quality indices, hematological and antioxidant status were assessed using standard biochemical procedures. Results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) decreases in serum levels of antioxidant enzymes and sperm quality indices in the CdCl₂, HgCl₂ and CdCl₂ + HgCl₂-groups at day 28. However, administration of SM leaf extract led to significant improvement in the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the extract-treated rats. Treatment with SM also improved sperm quality indices, recording as much as 93.3% active sperm cells in group-F. These findings suggest that aqueous leaf extract of S. mombin leaves exhibit restorative potentials against heavy metals-triggered changes in hematological, antioxidant and semen quality indices in Wistar rats.