ABSTRACT
Cadmium (Cd) is a well - known environmental toxin that is naturally present in air, water and soil. The reproductive system is most vulnerable to oxidative damage and therefore most affected by Cd. Zinc (Zn) is an essential antioxidant and a chelating agent that is capable of protecting the testis from Cd induced toxicity. Apium graveolens commonly known as Celery is a herbal plant rich in antioxidants and it improves various sperm parameters. MethodsMale Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. Control received 0.5 % Carboxy-Methyl Cellulose (CMC) in distilled water; the experimental groups namely Cd received 10 mg / Kg body weight of CdCl2; Cd + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2; Cd + AG 200 received 10 mg/Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 200 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens; Cd + AG400 received 10 mg/Kg body weight of CdCl2 + 400 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens; Cd + AG 200 + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 200 mg / Kg body weight of Apium graveolens + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2; Cd + AG 400 + Zn received 10 mg / Kg bodyweight of CdCl2 + 400 mg/Kg body weight of Apium graveolens + 40 mg / Kg body weight of ZnCl2 all in 0.5% CMC. Hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens was used in this experiment. The experiment was conducted for a duration of 56 days. Histopathology, sperm analysis, lipid peroxidation and hormone assays were performed. The therapeutic potential of Apium graveolens at two doses (200 and 400 mg / Kg body weight) with and without Zn supplementation was evaluated in this experiment. ResultsRats treated with Cd showed severe testicular damages. Zn offered protection from the damages done by cadmium. The hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens at doses of 200 mg / Kg body weight showed better protective effect than 400 mg / Kg body weight and the protecting nature was enhanced by zinc supplementation.