Protective Effect of Rasayana Herbs on Lead Acetate-induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

In recent years, the use of the herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. Rasayana drugs have been reported to have improved reproductive activity. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum, Spilanthes acmella and Pedalium murex on lead acetate-induced testicular damage in rats. The sample used 30 male rats divided into 5 groups: negative control (rats were given daily with 1% sodium CMC solution were given daily with lead acetate in mineral water at 250mg/l (1ml mineral water poisoned); positive control (rats /day/ rat) orally once in a day for 90 days); and the treatment group (rats were given the Anacyclus pyrethrum 150 mg/kg, Spilanthes acmella 150 mg/kg and Pedalium murex 150 mg/kg BW orally once in day for 90 days. After 90 days testicular tissue and sperm count, motility and viability in the epididymis were measured in rats. Testis samples were also collected for histopathological studies. Results showed that Lead acetate decreased the sperm count, motility, viability and altered histopathological testis compared to the negative control. However, administration of Rasayana drugs significantly improved the histopathological in testis, increased the sperm count, motility, viability and also significantly increased the testosterone level in drug treated rats. From the results of this study we concluded that the Rasayana drugs could be a potent natural product provides a promising protective effect against lead acetate induced testicular toxicity in rats.