The in Vivo Effects of Cassia Abbreviata Oliv., on Sperm Parameters And Testicular Histology of The Male Wistar Rat

Abstract

Introduction: A lot of unsubstantiated claims have been made regarding the ability of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. to promote male reproductive function. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous and 50% (v/v) methanol stem bark extracts of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. on hormonal levels, sperm parameters, testicular histo-architecture, mean body and right testis weights of the male Wistar rat. Methodology: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A, control rats received pure tap water; group B received aqueous extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight; group C received aqueous extracts at 400 mg/kg body weight; group D received 50% (v/v) methanol extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight and group E received 50% (v/v) methanol extract at 400 mg/kg body weight. After 8 weeks, reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histological structure of the right testis were evaluated. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) whereas prolactin levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the presence of of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Conclusion: Cassia abbreviata Oliv. increased sperm parameters, reproductive hormones and mean body weight of the male Wistar rat. This study supports the folklore claims that Cassia. abbreviata Oliv.modulates male reproductive function.