Abstract

Yakubu, M. T.*, Oladiji, A. T. and Akanji, M. A.

The effects of administration of aqueous extracts of Fadogia agrestis stem for 28 days and the 10 days post treatment effects on biochemical indices of reproductive function and testicular histology were evaluated in male albino rats. The rats were randomly selected into four study groups, A, B, C and D of 10 rats per group. Animals in group A (control) received 1 ml of distilled water (vehicle), and test groups B, C and D received graded doses of 18, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of extract respectively on daily basis for 28 days. At the end of 28 days treatment period, 5 animals were sacrificed while the remaining 5 from the same group were sacrificed after a ten day recovery period. There were significant (P<0.05) increases in the prostrate – body weight ratio (%), citric acid concentration and acid phosphatase activity at all the dose regimen and only at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight dose regimen for calcium and phosphate, while pH was not altered. There was no recovery on prostatic parameters except the citric acid content at 18 mg/kg body weight. Sperm count, motility, morphology and density were significantly reduced at 50 and 100 mg/kg dose regimen. The pH, colour, turbidity and viscosity of semen were unaffected but the seminal vesicular-body weight ratio (%), fructose content and glutamate dehydrogenase activity were significantly (P<0.05) reduced at higher doses. Histopathological changes revealed destruction of spermatic cells and seminiferous tubules. Toxicity was mild and reversible at 18 mg/kg body weight dose regimen but there was irreversible derangement on male testicular histology at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight dose regimen, which may adversely affect reproductive function especially male fertility.