Author(s): Ekpenyong Christopher Edet and Ashindi Arthur NW

Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that the consumption plant based foods and food products could be beneficial in terms of ameliorating adverse environmental exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Lemongrass leaf extracts (LGLEs) against petroleum fume (PF)-induced oxidative stress (OS) and reproductive dysfunction in male rats. Thirty-five mature male Wistar Albino rats were segregated into 5 groups, (n=7per group). Animals in group 1 served as unexposed control and were given standard feed and water for 6 weeks. Animals in group 2 received standard feed, water and were exposed to PF in an exposure chamber for 6 weeks. While animals in groups 3, 4 and 5 besides receiving standard feed, water and exposed to PF for 4 weeks were concomitantly fed 269.8mg/kg, 539.6mg/kg and 809.4mg/kg respectively of LGLEs for additional 2 weeks. After the exposure and treatment periods animals were sacrificed. Blood samples and testicular and epididymal tissues were obtained for analysis and histopathological examination respectively. There were significant (P<0.05) decreases in serum levels of CAT, testosterone, LH and FSH and significant (P<0.05) increase in MDA in animals exposed to PF alone compared to levels in the unexposed control. Histomorphological changes observed in the testicular and epididymal structures of animals exposed to PF alone included degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules, depleted germ cells, congested blood vessels and low luminal sperm volume. Supplementation with different concentrations of LGLEs caused dose dependent changes in the biochemical and histomorphological indices of male reproductive dysfunction. LGLE has a dose-dependent protective effect against PF-induced OS and male reproductive disorders due to its varied bio-constituents and their activities.