Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Emilia Sonchifolia , Bridelia Ferruginea and Stem Bark Extract of Rhizophora Racemosa on Petrol Fume-Induced Reproductive Hormones Imbalance in Male Wistar Rats

Chukwuma S. Anakwe, Ezomoh O. Olubunmi, Arhogro M. Ejovwoke, and Prohp the, Prophet

Abstract

Background: Breathing in petrol fumes, composed of diverse hydrocarbons, can impair male reproductive function by triggering oxidative damage. This oxidative stress interferes with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, leading to disruptions in key reproductive hormones. Given the limitations of standard treatments, medicinal plants rich in antioxidants may offer a beneficial alternative. Objective: This study investigated and compared the protective effects of extracts from Emilia sonchifolia leaves, Bridelia ferruginea leaves, and Rhizophora racemosa stem bark against petrol fume–induced hormonal imbalances in male Wistar rats. Methods: Fifty-four male rats were divided into nine groups of six. Aside from the normal control group, all animals were exposed to petrol vapors for four hours daily over 28 days. Throughout the exposure period, treatment groups received oral doses of the plant extracts (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) or Vitamin E (200 mg/kg) as a standard antioxidant. Serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone , and prolactin were measured using ELISA at predetermined intervals. Results: Exposure to petrol fumes caused a significant (p < 0.05) decline in testosterone, LH, and FSH, accompanied by a rise in prolactin. Each plant extract, at both dosage levels, effectively countered these disruptions, with the 400 mg/kg dose producing stronger restorative effects. Hormonal recovery in these groups was comparable to that observed with Vitamin E treatment. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Emilia sonchifolia, Bridelia ferruginea, and Rhizophora racemosa demonstrated substantial protective activity against petrol vapor–induced endocrine disturbances. Their efficacy, likely linked to their antioxidant-rich phytochemical composition, suggests potential therapeutic value for managing toxin-related hormonal disorders and male infertility.

Keywords

Petrol fumesReproductive hormonesEndocrine disruptionEmilia sonchifoliaBridelia ferrugineaRhizophora racemosaAntioxidantsWistar rats

References

Anyachor, C. P., Orisakwe, O. E., Orish, C. N., Parisi, C., Vangone, R., Guerretti, V. & Guerriero, G. (2025). Testis metal toxicity remediation by agro-food waste: evidence of a protective effect of melon seed husk extract Cucumeropsis mannii silica nanoparticles on gonadotropin and sex steroid hormones. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1-13. Celestine, A. C., Andrew, E. C., Oforma, U. E., Christian, O. M., Chinenyenwa, O. D., Chetachukwu, E. J., ... & Obodike, E. C. (2025). Investigation into the Pharmacognostic and Antimicrobial Properties of the Leaf Extract of Bridelia ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae). Mathews Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 9(1), 1-17. Chen, Z. F., Shen, Y. F., Gao, D. W., Lin, D. F., Ma, W. Z. & Chang, D. G. (2025). Metabolic Pathways and Male Fertility: Exploring the Role of Sertoli Cells in Energy Homeostasis and Spermatogenesis. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 329 (1) E160–E178. Chiavaroli, A., Sinan, K. I., Zengin, G., Mahomoodally, M. F., Sadeer, N. B., Etienne, O. K., Cziáky, Z., Jek?, J., Glamocilja, J., Sokovic, M., Recinella, L., Brunetti, L., Leone, S., Abdullah, H. H., Angelini, P., Flores, G. A., Venanzoni, R., Menghini, L., Orlando, G. & Ferrante, C. (2020). Identification of Chemical Profiles and Biological Properties of Rhizophora racemosa G. Mey. Extracts Obtained by Different Methods and Solvents. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(6), 533. Edu, E. A. B. Edwin-Wosu, N.L. & Udensi, O. U. (2015). Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds in Mangroves: A Panacea towards Exploiting and Optimizing Mangrove Resources. Journal of Natural Sciences. Research, 5, 23, 2224-3186. Fatima, G., Dzupina, A., Mahdi, A. A., Fedacko, J., Magomedova, A. & Yousif, N. G. (2025). Role of vitamin-E as a vital nutrient in health and diseases. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 1-14. Karad, V. & Gupta, G. L. (2025). Phytochemicals encouraging neurotrophic pathways: brain- derived neurotrophic factors as molecular targets in depression. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 1-20. Kirsch, P., Kunadia, J., Shah, S. & Agrawal, N. (2022). Metabolic effects of prolactin and the role of dopamine agonists: A review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 1002320. Leti Maggio, E., Zucca, C., Grande, M., Carrano, R., Infante, A., Bei, R. & Bei, R. (2024). Polyphenols regulate the activity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, having both positive and negative effects. Journal of Xenobiotics, 14(4), 1378-1405. Li, L., Lin, W., Wang, Z., Huang, R., Xia, H., Li, Z. & Yang, Y. (2024). Hormone regulation in testicular development and function. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5805. Liu, P. Y. (2025). Leydig Cells, Testosterone, Sleep, and Andrological Health. In Leydig Cells: Formation, Regulation and Function in Health and Disease (pp. 873-896). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. Lopes-Ferreira, J. V., Matos, J. E. M., Dias, F. C. R., Siervo, G. E. M. L. & Gomes, M. L. M. (2025). Protective effects of phenolic phytochemicals on male fertility: a narrative review. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 85, e288879. Martin, L. J. & Touaibia, M. (2024). Prevention of male late-onset hypogonadism by natural polyphenolic antioxidants. Nutrients, 16(12), 1815. Mir, I. N. & Bhat, I. A. (2021). Modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by phytotherapy using different delivery approaches. In Recent updates in molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology of Fish: An Imperative step in Aquaculture (Ed.). Springer Singapore. 229-242. Montano, L., Baldini, G. M., Piscopo, M., Liguori, G., Lombardi, R., Ricciardi, M. & Motta, O. (2025). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Environment: Occupational Exposure, Health Risks and Fertility Implications. Toxics, 13(3), 151. Odetayo, A. F., Akhigbe, R. E., Bassey, G. E., Hamed, M. A., & Olayaki, L. A. (2024). Impact of stress on male fertility: role of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone. Frontiers in endocrinology, 14, 1329564. Uche, M. E., Chinyere, C. G., Ekweogu, C. N., Esiaba, R. I., Nwankpa, P., & Ugbogu, E. A. (2024). Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Potential of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Emilia sonchifolia in Rats. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 8(9). Okuthe, G. E., Dube, E. & Mafunda, P. S. (2025). Effects of Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine- Disrupting Chemicals on Reproductive Biology of Aquatic Fauna: Penguins as Sentinel Species. Journal of Xenobiotics, 15(4), 110. Pan, J., Liu, P., Yu, X., Zhang, Z., & Liu, J. (2024). The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1324993. Pekdemir, B., Raposo, A., Saraiva, A., Lima, M. J., Alsharari, Z. D., BinMowyna, M. N. & Karav, S. (2024). Mechanisms and potential benefits of neuroprotective agents in neurological health. Nutrients, 16(24), 4368. Plunk, E. C. & Richards, S. M. (2020). Endocrine-disrupting air pollutants and their effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(23), 9191. Rotimi, D. E., Acho, M. A., Falana, B. M., Olaolu, T. D., Mgbojikwe, I., Ojo, O. A. & Adeyemi, O. S. (2024). Oxidative stress-induced hormonal disruption in male reproduction. Reproductive Sciences, 31(10), 2943-2956. Scuto, M., Rampulla, F., Reali, G. M., Spanò, S. M., Trovato Salinaro, A. & Calabrese, V. (2024). Hormetic nutrition and redox regulation in gut–brain axis disorders. Antioxidants, 13(4), 484. Üremi?, M. M., Gültekin, S., Üremi?, N., ?afak, T., Çi?remi?, Y., Gül, M. & Türköz, Y. (2024). Protective role of vitamin E against acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity from pregnancy to adulthood: insights into oxidative stress and aromatase regulation. Naunyn- Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 397(2), 829-841. Wdowiak, N., Wójtowicz, K., Wdowiak-Filip, A., Pucek, W., Wróbel, A., Wróbel, J., & Wdowiak, A. (2024). Environmental factors as the main hormonal disruptors of male fertility. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(7), 1986. Pal, D., & Sen, S. (2024). Emerging petroleum pollutants and their adverse effects on the environment. In Impact of petroleum waste on environmental pollution and its sustainable management through circular economy (pp. 103-137). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. Yeboah, G. N., Owusu, F. W. A., Archer, M. A., Kyene, M. O., Kumadoh, D., Ayertey, F. & Appiah, A. A. (2022). Bridelia ferruginea Benth.; An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review. Heliyon, 8(8). Zirkin, B. R., & Papadopoulos, V. (2018). Leydig cells: formation, function, and regulation. Biology of reproduction, 99(1), 101-111.

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH

Antibacterial Activity of Stem Bark Extract of Boswellia Odorata Against Some Isolates of Wound Among Patients Attending Selected Hospitals in Kano Metropolis

Author: Kamal Abdulkadir Muhammad, Ismaila Ahmed, Lawan Danjuma, Raliya Sulaiman, Dauda, Isah Musa Bebeji, Zubairu Sani Ibrahim, Yahaya Ubah Yau, Binta Kabir, Muhammad, and Mukhtar Aminu Bala, Corresponding author

Prevalence and Prevention of Health Problems Among Inmates in Agodi Gate Correctional Centre, Ibadan

Author: John Betiku, a, Oluwabunmi Hannah Aremo, b, Emmanuel Olusegun Abe, a, Rachael, Omotomilayo Ajayi, c, Adenike Kaosarat Alabi, d, Kelechi Princess John, d, orcid ---