QUEOUS FRUITS

Azanza garckeana , a plant native to Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as parts of West Africa, is traditionally renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its role in enhancing male reproductive health. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Azanza garckeana (AGE) against lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. This specific objectives evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity of Azanza garckeana , as well as its effects on various physiological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The objectives also included assessing changes in body and organ weights, oxidative stress markers, and male reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone) across experimental groups. Additionally, sperm analysis was conducted, and the impact of A. garckeana aqueous extract on the histology of testes in lead acetateinduced rats was examined. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Group A served as the control, receiving only feed and water. Group B was exposed to 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of lead acetate. Group C received 400 mg/kg BW of AGE only, while Group D was administered 800 mg/kg BW of AGE. Group E received a combination of 400 mg/kg BW of AGE and 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate, and Group F received 800 mg/kg BW of AGE alongside 100 mg/kg BW of lead acetate. The maceration method was employed to extract the plant’s bioactive components, as it is a simple and effective technique that ensures optimal recovery of phytochemicals while preserving their integrity for analysis