Moringa oleifera restored semen quality, hormonal profile, and testicular morphology against Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy-induced toxicity in adult male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: Reproductive toxicity has been greatly linked with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) use. This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract (MOE) on HAART-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. METHODS: Twenty adult male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were assigned into four groups (n=5). Group A received distilled water; Group B received (orally) 200 mg/kg BW HAART only; Group C received (orally) 200 mg/kg BW HAART and 100 mg/kg BW MOE (low dose group) and Group D received (orally) 200 mg/kg BW HAART and 300 mg/kg BW MOE. At the end of the 28-day experiment, body and testicular weights were measured; serum and testis obtained were subjected to hormone profiling, biochemical and histological studies. RESULTS: HAART caused a significant decrease in body and testicular weight, testicular distortion and spermatogenic cell disorganization, altered semen quality and function, hormonal profiles, and oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH) were significantly decreased with the concurrent increase in MDA level. However, treatment with MOE improved sperm parameters, testis morphology, antioxidants markers, and hormones assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure to HAART produced marked testicular toxicity, ameliorated using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, thereby preserving testicular physiological function and morphology.