Lemongrass diet improves petroleum fume-induced oxidative stress, spermatotoxicity and testicular histomorphological disorders in rats

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