Evaluating the Effects of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract on Testosterone Level of Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene

Abstract

Testes are primary organ of reproduction as they are responsible for the production and release of testosterone. Testosterone is the major androgenic steroid hormone produced primarily in the Leydig cells, it has both intratesticular and peripheral effects. Petroleum products are mixtures derived from crude oil and have similar chemical and physical properties. Exposure to petroleum product fumes has been reported to have both an effect on global warming and reproductive diseases. Infertility, low sperm count and decreased sperm viability that is affecting reproductive performance among individuals might be due to changes in testosterone level as a result of exposure to petroleum products. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on testosterone levels of male Wistar rats exposed to Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene. An experimental study was conducted with a total of Twenty-one (21) adults male Wistar rats randomly divided into seven (7) groups comprising three rats each. 40mg/kg/rat of moringa extract and 0.008 cm3/min/rat exposure dose were used in this study. The result showed an increase in serum testosterone level in the exposed groups and treatments with moringa oleifera leaf extract has shown a promising effect. Inconclusion, the result of this study shows that exposure of Wistar rats to petroleum products through inhalation, causes marked increase in serum testosterone levels and treatment with Moringa oleifera leafextract showed promising result.