AGERATUM CONYZOIDES (BILLY GOAT WEED) INVESTIGATION ON ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE-INDUCED TESTICULAR TOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RAT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ageratum conyzoides (Billy Goat Weed) is a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃), a common environmental toxin, induces oxidative stress, leading to testicular damage and infertility. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of Ageratum conyzoides against AlCl₃-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats, aiming to explore its potential in preserving testicular structure, improving sperm quality, and maintaining hormonal balance under toxic conditions. METHODOLOGY: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups, each comprising five animals. Group A (control) received distilled water, Group B received aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) at 100 mg/kg, Group C received Ageratum conyzoides extract at 100 mg/kg, and Group D received both AlCl₃ (100 mg/kg bw) and Ageratum conyzoides extract (100 mg/kg). All treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. RESULTS: AlCl₃ significantly reduced (p<0.05) testosterone, FSH, LH, sperm count, motility, morphology, and GPx activity, while Ageratum conyzoides significantly increased (p<0.05) these parameters. Histology showed preserved testicular structure in Ageratum conyzoides and combination groups, unlike AlCl₃-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is known to induce reproductive dysfunction through oxidative damage, while Ageratum conyzoides mitigates AlCl₃ toxicity and enhances sperm quality in male Wistar rats.