Aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale leaf (AEAOL) alleviates cadmium chloride-associated alterations in the testes of Wistar rats

This research aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale leaves (AEAOL) on the testes of cadmium-exposed rats. Thirty-five male rats
$(200\pm 9.23$
g) were randomly grouped into seven A - G (n = 5). These rats were then given the following treatment through oral intubation, once a day, for 21 days: animals in group A received 1 ml of distilled water (control), group B received 6.5 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of cadmium chloride only, group C received 150 mg/kg b.w of AEAOL only, groups D, E, F and G received in addition to 6.5 mg/kg b.w of cadmium chloride, 15 mg/kg b.w of quercetin, 15 mg/kg b.w of EDTA, 100 mg/kg b.w of AEAOL and 200 mg/kg b.w of AEAOL respectively. After the duration of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, blood samples and testicular homogenates were then collected for biochemical analysis. Secondary metabolites screening of the plants was also carried out. Seven phytochemicals (alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenol, saponins and tannins) were detected in AEAOL. The rats that were exposed to cadmium had significant increase in nitric oxide (NO) concentration but did not show significant alteration in other biochemical parameters assayed for in this study. Furthermore, treatment with AEAOL significantly increased the concentrations of total testicular protein, reduced glutathione, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone. The activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases were also significantly elevated when compared with the distilled water control. Therefore, AEAOL enhanced testicular function indices and could improve fertility in cadmium-exposed rats.