Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats: Protective Role of STC30, a Polyherbal Formulation

Abstract

Background: Cadmium, one of the most toxic heavy metals but which finds its presence in many applications and the environment impairs male reproductive function via oxidative stress. There is a growing interest in the development and usage of polyherbal remedies with high antioxidant base. Super Life Total Care (STC30) is one of such remedies. There is however paucity of information on most of its claimed effects and Cadmium-induced male reproductive toxicity. Methods: Twenty male wistar rats were separated into control, Cadmium-only, STC30-only and Cadmium+STC30 groups of 5 rats each. Once daily administration was for 28 days after which blood and testicular samples collected for determination of relevant parameters. Results: Results showed a significantly reduced (p<0.05) sperm count in the Cadmium-only compared with the control though significantly lower (p<0.05) in the Cadmium+STC30 compared with the STC30-only groups. Sperm motility was significantly reduced in STC30-only but increased in STC30-only compared with control. It was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the STC30-only and Cadmium+STC30 than in the Cadmium-only groups. Sperm viability was significantly reduced in the Cadmium-only compared with control. Teratozotospermia was significantly elevated in the Cadmium-only compared with the control but lower in the Cadmium+STC30 and STC30-only compared with Cadmium-only groups. Serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control groups. Testicular malomdialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control groups, but lower in STC30-only and STC30+Cadmium than in the Cadmium-only groups though higher in Cadmium+STC30 than in the STC30-only groups. Testicular superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities as well as total antioxidant capacity were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the Cadmium-only compared with the control but higher in the Cadmium+STC30 than in the Cadmium-only groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, STC30 ameliorates Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male wistar rats.