Acta Scientifica Malaysia (ASM)

AInfertility is defined as the medical condition which prevents a woman from becoming pregnant after she has experienced 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Male infertility is a major factor which accounts for 50 percent of infertility cases that affect couples. Male infertility happens when men experience medical conditions and infectious diseases and when they encounter environmental pollutants such as cadmium. This research study tests whether Plukenetia conophora ethanol seed extract provides protection against cadmium-induced male infertility in Wistar rats. The study aimed to evaluate the protective role of Plukenetia conophora extract against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity and its effects on body weight, hormone levels and the phytochemical constituents of Plukenetia conophora. The research study used thirty-six adult male Wistar Rats and divided them into six groups to receive various treatments. Group A served as the control group, Group B and C received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of ethanolic seed extract of Plukenetia conophora only respectively, group D and E received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of Plukenetia conophora + 10mg/kg of cadmium chloride respectively, and group F received 10mg/kg of cadmium chloride only, followed by assessment of hormonal profiling assay over a 56-day period. The study showed that Cadmium chloride caused body weight and testosterone level decreases while FSH level showed a minor increase. The higher dose of Plukenetia conophora extract showed better results for reducing these negative effects. The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed beneficial compounds which included saponins and steroids and terpenoids. Plukenetia conophora extract protected male Wistar rats from reproductive toxicity which was caused by cadmium. The extract’s phytochemicals helped to maintain body weight and hormonal levels and testicular health. The research needs to investigate how Plukenetia conophora might function as a treatment for male infertility.