Title:The in Vivo Effects of Cassia Abbreviata Oliv., on Sperm Parameters And Testicular Histology of The Male Wistar Rat
Volume: 7
Issue: 3
Author(s): Thomson Msiska, Anthony Mwakikunga, David Tembo, Alinune Musopole and Fanuel Lampiao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre,Malawi
Keywords:
Sperm motility , sperm concentration , testosterone , spermatogenesis , testicular morphometry , seminiferous
tubule , wistar rat , male reproduction.
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 and 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 flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids.
Conclusion: Cassia abbreviata Oliv. increased sperm parameters, reproductive hormones and
mean bodyweight of the male Wistar rat. This study supports the folklore claims that Cassia. abbreviata
Oliv. modulates male reproductive function.
