EFFICIENT USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE TO DETOXIFY UPPER REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS TOXICITY THAT MAY LEAD TO INFERTILITY

This study aims at investigating the use of herbal medicine (F. vogelii) as a natural antioxidant to detoxify reproductive toxicity. Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats used in this research were divided into five groups of five (5) rats per group. Group A served as negative control and received feed and water ad libitum. It also received formal saline. B and C served as the low (100 mg/kg) and high (300 mg/kg) dose extract groups. They received lead acetate for 14 days after the extract has been administered for first 7 days. Groups D served as the positive control and received only lead acetate 14 days too while E received only the extract for 14 days. The experiment lasted for 28 days including an acclimatization period of 7 days. The positive control group showed a significant increase in SOD activity at P ≤ 0.01 while that of group E rats had ovarian SOD closer to group A. Group B and C showed reduced SOD level as well as significant weight gain. The extract presented chemicals capable of removing free radicals generated by toxins in the body. The ovarian and uterine weights were significantly reduced in the positive control group (group D). The histological changes include edema, necrosis, empty optical spaces, denudations, and fatty changes. The extract had a positive effect on the organs against the lead acetate. The results of this study suggest F. vogelii leaves can be used as an antioxidant to treat lead reproductive toxicity.