Received August 08, 2018
Accepted December 22, 2018

Background: Lead is a multiorgan toxicant and an oxidative stress inducer. The effect of Costus afer on metal induced male reprotoxicity has not been previously carried out, hence this research work. Objective: The present research investigates the protective effect of aqueous leave extract of Costus afer on lead induced reproductive damages in male albino Wistar rats. Materials and method: Adult male albino Wistar rats were weight matched into five groups of five rats each. Groups 1 & 2 served as normal and toxic control receiving deionized and leaded (CH3COO)2Pb.3H2O water respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered peroral 750, 1500 and 2250mg/kg of Costus afer respectively while receiving Pb2+ water ad libitium for 28 days Results: Reproductive and antioxidant parameters obtained from the result served as scientific evidence in the study. The result showed non-significant changes in the absolute and relative weights of epididymis and testes in Pb group versus the control. Significant increases were recorded in the sperm analysis, blood lead level (BLL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and non-significant changes in testosterone (TET) in Pb group compared to control was noted. Conclusion: Treatment with Costus afer exhibited dose dependent significant changes in testicular oxidative stress, hormonal, sperm analysis and histopathological changes induced by lead. Aqueous leaves extract of Costus afer may be protective against lead induced testicular damage.