Abstract

Lead exposure remains a significant environmental health concern due to its ability to accumulate in biological tissues and disrupt multiple physiological systems, including reproductive function. The present study investigated the protective effects of banana peel extract (BPE) against lead-induced ovarian toxicity in female albino rats exposed to dose-dependent concentrations. Forty adult nulliparous rats at 12 weeks age were randomly divided into eight groups and treated orally for 30 consecutive days with distilled water (control), lead acetate (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg), BPE (525 mg/kg), or their respective combinations. Hematological parameters, leukocyte profiles, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reproductive hormones (estradiol and progesterone), and ovarian histopathology were evaluated. Lead exposure produced significant hematological alterations, including reductions in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, along with changes in leukocyte profiles indicating an inflammatory response. In addition, serum TAC decreased markedly, suggesting oxidative stress. These biochemical disturbances were accompanied by reductions in estradiol and progesterone levels and by histopathological damage to ovarian tissues, including follicular degeneration and vascular congestion. In contrast, co-administration of BPE partially mitigated these adverse effects by improving antioxidant status, moderating hematological and immune alterations, and preserving ovarian histological architecture. The findings suggest that banana peel extract possesses protective properties that may attenuate lead-induced reproductive toxicity.