Moringa oleifera Lamarck (drumstick) Leaf Extract Modulates the Evidences of Hydroxyurea -Induced Testicular Derangement

Summary: Hydroxyurea (HDU) is an antineoplastic agent that is commonly used in the treatment of Sickle cell disease (SCD).However, the therapeutic value of HDU is limited by its organotoxicity including testicular toxity. It has been shown that free radicals are involved in HDU-induced toxicity. The Application of natural phenolic compounds in the prevention of many pathologic diseases has been reported. Herein, the ability of polyphenolic-rich Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract (MOLE) to protect rat testis against HDU-induced histomorphometric, spermatogenic, and oxidative status impairments were investigated. Three experimental groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used; MOLE- alone group that received orally MOLE 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w) daily for 90 consecutive days. HDU-alone group that had 25 mg HDU/kg b.w/day/orally for 90 consecutive days. MOLE plus HDU-group that were Moringa oleifera world’s most useful trees is also widely grown in the tropical regions.treated orally for 90 consecutive days with both 25 mg HDU/kg b.w/day and MOLE 50 mg/kg b.w/day. There was also a corresponding control group which had distilled water 2.5 ml/kg b.w/day/orally for 90 consecutive days. Our results demonstrated that co-treatment with MOLE protected the testis against the morphologic, spermatogenic and oxidative status changes induced by HDU. Industrial relevance: Hydroxyurea is commonly used in management of sickle cell disease. The use of this drug is however limited by its organotoxicity including testicular damage. The present study therefore explores the ability of extract of Moringa oleifera. Leaves to prevent testicular damage during HDU therapy with a view of providing base line information on its possible use as an adjunct in future treatment regimes.