EFFECTS OF PIPER UMBELLATUM LINN. (PIPERACEAE) LEAVES EXTRACT ON SOME OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN RESTRAINT STRESS MODEL OF MALE INFERTILITY IN RAT

Paul Désiré Djomeni Dzeufiet*, Marguerite Francine Mballa, Danielle Claude Bilanda, Mireille Poumeni Kameni, Madeleine Chantal Ngoungoure and Pierre Kamtchouing

ABSTRACT

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including male infertility and the use of antioxidants tends to become popular in modern society. The present study aimed to investigate effects of the aqueous extract of Piper umbellatum on male infertility induced by restraint stress. Methods: Rats were immobilized for 6 hours daily for 6 weeks. At the end of this period, animals were treated with Piper umbellatum aqueous extract at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, distilled water (10 mg/kg) and vitamin C (30 mg/kg) for 60 days. The 61st day, rats were sacrificed and sexual organs weighted. Testicular volume and oxidative stress parameters were determined. Besides, in vitro antioxidant of the extract against DPPH radical and some biochemical and fertility parameters were evaluated. Results: The extract stimulated antioxidant system in vivo and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Piper umbellatum extract exerted in vitro antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical and the IC50 was 331.60 μg/mL. The total content of flavonoids of the extract measured was 145.70 ± 3.51 rutin equivalent. Oxidative stress parameters and sperm characteristics were ameliorated with an increase of testicular volume in plant extract groups. Conclusions: The extract had in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties and restored fertility parameters evaluated in the current study. The plant could be therefore useful in the management of male infertility.

Keywords: Piper umbellatum, oxidative stress, male infertility, antioxidant, chronic stress.