Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract and ascorbate confer amelioration and protection against dimethyl nitrosamine-induced renal toxicity and testicular abnormalities in rats

[Display omitted] •DMN administration resulted in renal damage.•DMN administration decreased renal GSH, and increased renal antioxidant enzyme activities.•DMN administration decreased normal spermatozoa, sperm motility, and sperm count.•CA extract protected against renal damage, restoring the antioxidant enzyme activities.•CA extract increased normal spermatozoa, sperm motility, and count. Extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) have been reported to possess medicinal properties ranging from potential hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-cardiovascular. In our previous study, gas chromatography mass spectroscopy check of CA extract showed the inclusion of 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, a phenolic phyto-compound that constitutes about 45 %, carotene and linoleic acid sources, and silicon-rich components. Hence we compare the preventive and ameliorative potentials of CA with ascorbate in dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-induced renal toxicity and sperm abnormalities in rats. Renal toxicity was investigated by quantifying the levels and activities of endogenous antioxidant parameters. Renal damage marked by significant reduction in GSH level, as well as significant elevation in MDA concentration, and activities of GPx, GST, CAT, and SOD were restored after the intervention of CA and ascorbate. Also, there was decrease in live sperm, sperm concentration, sperm gross and individual motility, and normal sperm morphology, following DMN administration. Based on the gathered results, it is concluded that ascorbate and CA demonstrate comparable ameliorative and protective effects against DMN-induced renal and testicular toxicities in rats.