Boerhaavia diffusa L. Supplementation Attenuates Fluoride Induced Testicular Impairments in rats

The present study investigated the effect of oral administration of sodium fl uoride on testicular histopathology of rats and evaluated ameliorative effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. Adult male rats weighing 100-150g were administered with sodium fl uoride (NaF) at three different doses 100, 200 and 300 ppm/ kg body weight, orally, daily for 40 days. At the end of the experimental period, half of the animals were sacrifi ced and their testis was removed. Remaining half rats were post treated with two doses (250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight) of leaf extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L. for 20 days. Both light and scanning electron microscopy revealed dose dependent increase in testicular histopathological anomalies in NaF treated groups as compared to control. The normal histoarchitecture of seminiferous tubules was distorted. There was severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules as they were devoid of epithelium, with only sertoli cells and spermatogonia present within the depleted tubules. The spermatogenic cells showed degeneration and necrosis. There was severe tissue disruption, with absence of epithelial layers and complete cessation of spermatogenesis. The spermatozoa were absent in the tubules, only spermatocytes and spermatogonia were visible. The Leydig cell had scanty cytoplasm. The interstitial tissues were wide and congested. There was congestion and dilation of blood vessels. However, NaF groups post treated with leaf extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L. showed normal architecture of seminiferous tubules. The present study suggests that fl uoride exerted disruptions to testicular histology was ameliorated by the administration of Boerhaavia diffusa L. extract.