Protective Effects of Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae) on Aluminium Chloride-Induced Reproductive Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Aims: Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels, also known as “Mbonga”, is a medicinal plant used by the “Baka” Pygmies of Cameroon for the management of male infertility. Many studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. No scientific evidence to date has been provided on this treatment. Aluminium chloride is an endocrine disruptor that can induce male infertility through various mechanisms. The present study was designed to assess the protective effect of the bark-aqueous extract of Terminalia superba against aluminium chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, between November 2021 and October 2022.

Methodology: Thirty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into groups of 5 animals each including untreated group. After induction of reprotoxicity by an intraperitoneal administration of aluminum chloride (20 mg/kg, body weight) for 56 days, 20 rats were subsequently orally treated for 56 days with the bark-aqueous extract at doses of 43 and 86 mg/kg as well as a co-administration of vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and zinc (50 mg/kg). The first group served as the normal control group and the last groups received only the extract (43 and 86 mg/kg). On the last day, sexual behaviour tests were performed, then rats were killed the next day. Assessment of biochemical markers of oxidative stress, histopathological studies and sperm analysis were performed.

Results: Aluminium chloride induced significant decreases (P <0.05) in sperm quality, sexual performance of the male rats, catalase activity and glutathione levels. The aqueous extract of Terminalia superba reversed the toxic effects of aluminium chloride by improving the sexual behaviour of male rats and increasing the level of reduced glutathione as well as the catalase activity in their testis and epididymis.

Conclusion: Terminalia superba has an enhancing effect against aluminium chloride-induced toxicity in male rats, and could therefore be an alternative to solve reprotoxicity problems.