Assessment of the Effects of Muira Puama Root Extract on Biochemical Indices, and Testicular Histomorphology in Cyclophosphamide-treated Rats

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a commonly used anticancer drug, is limited in its therapeutic application by gonadotoxic effects driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the protective role of Muira puama (MP) extract against CYP-induced testicular damage in rats. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into six groups: Group A (control) received normal saline; Groups B and C were treated with MP (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg feed, respectively); Group D received CYP alone; and Groups E and F were co-administered CYP with MP (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively). Treatments lasted four weeks, after which body weight, feed intake, serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hormonal levels and testicular histology were evaluated. CYP administration (Group D) significantly reduced weight gain, feed intake, Testosterone and IL-10 levels, while elevating MDA and TAC (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with MP (Groups E and F) improved body weight, feed intake, and IL-10 levels, while reducing MDA and mitigating testicular histopathological damage. The higher MP dose (50 mg/kg) conferred greater protection. TAC values in MP co-treated groups were lower than with CYP alone, suggesting modulation of antioxidant responses. Histological analysis showed severe seminiferous tubule degeneration and basement membrane disruption in CYP-treated rats, whereas MP preserved testicular architecture, particularly at 50 mg/kg. In conclusion, Muira puama extract attenuates CYP-induced gonadotoxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, supporting its potential as a protective agent against chemotherapy-related reproductive toxicity.