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Toxicity study of ethanolic stem bark extract of Xylopia aethiopica on fertility indices of male rats: An experimental study
Ehigiator, Ben Enoluomen & Adikwu, Elias
Abstract
Background: The uses of toxicologically unscreened plants to enhance fertility can be
associated with adverse consequences.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic stem back extract
of X. aethiopica (EEXA) on the fertility indices of male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino rats (weighing 200-250 gr) were grouped
and administered by gavage with 200-800 mg/kg of EEXA daily for 15, 30, and 60 days.
After the administration of EEXA, the rats were weighed and sacrificed. Blood samples
were collected, serum samples were extracted, and evaluated for testosterone, follicle
stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels.
The testes, epididymides, and prostrate were harvested, weighed and testes were
evaluated for sperm parameters.
Results: Significant increase in body weight (p = 0.02) with significant decreases in
testis (p = 0.01), epididymis (p = 0.01), and prostate (p = 0.02) weights occurred in
rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control group. Significant (p <
0.001) dose and time- dependent decreases in sperm count, volume, motility, and
normal morphology were obtained in rats administered with EEXA when compared
to the control group. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) effect on sperm
pH when compared to control. Furthermore, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating
hormone, and testosterone levels were significantly decreased whereas serum
prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels were significantly increased in a dosedependent
fashion in rats administered with EEXA when compared to the control
group.
Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that the use of X. aethiopica may be
detrimental to male reproduction function.
Keywords
Xylopia aethiopica; Toxicity; Sperm; Hormone; Rat.
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