Effect of ethanolic fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive function of male rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of 70% alcoholic extract of Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive function of adult male rats. Ethanolic fruits extract of X. aethiopica was administered orally to groups of male Sprague Dawley rats at the doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg for 60 days. The reproductive organ weights, change on animal body weight, caudal epididymal sperm count, motility and viability, histology of testes and androgenic hormones levels were evaluated. Increase in body weight as well as weight of testis and epididymis and a significant increase in caudal sperm count was noticed. Transverse sections of testis exhibited spermatogenesis. The extract treatment also showed significant increase in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. The studies clearly reveal androgenic activity of the extract and its effects on hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis. Key words: Androgenic, Reproduction, Spermatogenesis, Xylopia aethiopica 1. INTRODUCTION In Africa especially south of the Sahara, the use of plants and its extract for the treatment and management of diseases has been in existence since ancient times. Factors such as poverty and illiteracy still militate against availability and accessibility of conventional medical services. A larger number of these tropical plants and their extract have shown beneficial therapeutic effects including fertility enhancing and contraceptive compounds, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and aphrodisiac [1]. Among the promising medicinal plants,