Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Cadmium and Testicular Structure of the Male Guinea Pig

Abstract

The effects of the aqueous crude extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. leaf and cadmium (Cd) on basal serum phosphatase levels of the male guinea-pig were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of the aqueous crude extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. leaf and Vitamin C on Cd-induced toxicity of the testicular/sperm cell structure of the male guinea-pig (GP) were also investigated. Ocimum gratissimum (0- 160mg) caused a significant inhibition/decrease (p<0.05) in basal serum phosphatase levels of the male guinea-pig. In contrast, cadmium (0.5-8mg/kg) caused a significant stimulation/increase (p<0.05) in basal serum phosphatase levels, which was positively correlated with a dose-dependent destruction of the testes and sperm cell histology/structure. Pretreatments with 5mg of O. gratissimum and 1.25mg/kg of vitamin C, with subsequent administration of cadmium, blocked/reversed the Cd-induced toxicities of the testes/sperm cell histology. These results may be explained in terms of the antioxidative properties and the post-receptor biochemical and molecular (transduction) events of O. gratissimum on Cd-induced responses.