Wild Garlic Allium triquetrum L. Alleviates Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Injuries in Rats

The current study investigates the potential alleviating activity of bulbs (B) and leaves (L) of Allium triquetrum aqueous extract (ATE) on repro-toxicity induced by lead acetate (Pb) in male Wistar rats administrated orally for 3 consecutive weeks. Eighteen groups of rats were divided into the control, Pb (500 mg/kg body weight/day), positive controls of B and L (2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 6 g/kg body weight/day), in addition to four mixtures of each of Pb-B (Pb-B1, Pb-B2, Pb-B3, Pb-B4) and Pb-L (Pb-L1, Pb-L2, Pb-L3, Pb-L4). The two extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis. Sperm characteristics were evaluated by CASA system, as well as the serum testosterone, testicular and epididymal levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The phytochemical screening proved that bulbs’ and leaves’ extracts were rich in various compounds and the HPLC showed that leaves contain more tannins. Results revealed a significant decrease in the testicular and in the epididymal weights, sperm concentration, motility, testosterone, velocity, vitality, round cells, GSH, and GPx levels in the Pb-intoxicated rats compared to the control, with the exception of MDA concentration that was significantly increased. However, the co-administration of garlic extracts (Pb-B and Pb-L) exhibited a significant increase in all mentioned markers, except for the MDA level which was reduced. Likewise, Pb caused histological injuries in the testicular seminiferous of rats, while the co-administration of wild garlic has reduced such effect, especially in the higher doses. Both extracts of Pb-B and Pb-L have attenuated Pb toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of A. triquetrum have the potential to reduce Pb testicular injuries by boosting sperm characteristics and ameliorating oxidative stress markers.