Ameliorative Potential of Aqueous Extract of <i>Syzygium aromaticum</i> on Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Damage in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The ameliorative effect of the aqueous seed extract of Syzygium aromaticum on cisplatin-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats was examined in this study following an acute toxicity (LD₅₀) test to determine the lethal dose. Eight groups (n = 8) of sixty-four rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were created. Group 1 served as the normal control. Groups 2–8 received a single intraperitoneal dose of 8 mg/kg of cisplatin for five days to induce testicular injury. Group 2 (negative control) received no treatment. Group 3 (positive control) received 50 mg/kg of clomiphene. Groups 4–8 were administered 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight of S. aromaticum aqueous extract, respectively, for 28 days. All animals were provided rat chow and water ad libitum. Hormonal profiles, haematological parameters, oxidative stress enzymes, semen characteristics, and testicular histology were evaluated using standard methods. Results from Groups 4–8 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sperm morphology, along with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in abnormal, sluggish, and dead sperm cells. Plasma and tissue levels of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde also showed significant modulation compared to the negative control. Photomicrographs from histopathological analyses revealed distorted seminiferous tubules in the negative control group, while varying concentrations of the extract produced positive structural improvements. The 2500 mg/kg dose of S. aromaticum exhibited pronounced enhancement of spermatogenesis and reduction in oxidative stress, indicating its potential use in managing testicular damage.