Análise da toxicidade reprodutiva do extrato da semente de azadirachta indica em ratos wistar machos

Abstract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, popularly known as NEEM, is a tree species native to India belonging to the Meliaceae family. Currently its leaves, bark and seeds have been used in the manufacture of herbicides, repellents, drugs (of therapeutic function), cosmetics, among others. The present study aimed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of Neem seed extract in male Wistar rats after acute exposure at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg and the possible morphophysiological changes caused in spermatogenesis, through sperm analysis, hormonal biochemistry, histopathology and morphometrics of rats treated, seeking to verify the viability of its use as raw material in the development of oral contraceptives for animals. Sixteen male Wistar Rattus norvegicus, with an average age of 30 weeks, weighing an average of 375g ± 4.3428g were used. The animals were divided into two groups: control group and treated group. Each group was formed by 8 males. Morphometric analysis of testicular epithelium sections showed a significant reduction in epithelium height and tubular diameter in the treated group. The histopathology of the testicles of the treated rats showed irregular contours, characterized by a tunica albuginea with variations in the thickness of the dense connective tissue, moderate indentations in the testicular parenchyma, in addition to capsular detachment. In the tubular space, varying degrees of epithelial degeneration and necrosis were observed. The seminiferous tubules exhibited clusters in the tubular lumen, and a reduction in motility, vigor and concentration of cells in the epididymis was also observed. Regarding the morphology of the spermatozoa, one can find (with 100X magnification) changes in the shape of the head, with some of these cells presenting a pear-shaped head, an underdeveloped head and a strongly bent tail. Based on the analyses, it is concluded that the treatment with the aqueous extract of the seed of Azadirachta indica, orally (gavage) at a dose of 2000mg/kg caused negative alterations in the testis and epididymis of rats, verifying the reproductive toxicity of the extract of Neem, which can be used in the study and development of contraceptive medications for animal use.