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Cadmium is a harmful heavy metal that is widely distributed in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Annona muricata seed extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. A total of 35 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (A–E)) of 7 rats each. Group A (the control group) received distilled water only; group B-E received 2 mg/kg of cadmium (S.C.) and 100 mg/kg body weight of Annona muricata, 2 mg/kg of cadmium (S.C.) and 200 mg/kg body weight of Annona muricata, and 2 mg/kg of cadmium and 300 mg/kg body weight of Annona muricata respectively. After 17 days of treatment, the animals were brought out, weighed, and sacrificed via cranial dislocation. Testicular, seminal fluid, and blood samples were taken for examination. SPSS version 21 was used in the analysis. The results of the study showed that the Annona muricata aqueous seed extract increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in a dose-dependent manner compared to the cadmium-only group. The relative weight of the testis increased significantly in the treated groups compared to the cadmium-only group. Testosterone levels also increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the treated groups compared to the group A (control). The extract showed a significant protective effect against cadmium-induced toxicity, as indicated by the higher testosterone levels in treated groups compared to the untreated group. Medicinal plants like Annona muricata can be used to treat heavy metal toxicity in traditional medicine.
Ehiremen et al. (Sun,) studied this question.