Effect of Aqueous Garcinia Kola Seed Extract on The Histopathology of The Reproductive Organs of Wistar Rats

1Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City

*1Adekunle, F. A. and 2Akinbo, F. O.

Corresponding Author: fredrick.akinbo@uniben.edu

Recieved Date: December, 2020; Accepted Date: December, 2020; Published Date: December, 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite the wide acceptance and consumption of herbal decoction from medicinal plants, there is a need to scientifically assess their possible adverse effects on organs of the body. This study aimed at determining the effect of Garcinia kola extract (GKSE) on the reproductive organs of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male and female rats weighing 200 – 250g were randomly divided into four (4) groups with groups B, C and D subdivided into three based on the dose. The control group (A) was fed on standard diet and physiological saline orally. Groups B to D were fed on standard diet and administered 200, 400, and 800mg/kg body weight/day of GKSE orally for 3 months. Blood samples were collected for reproductive hormone assays and the gonads harvested for histopathological analysis. Results: The female rats experienced significant decrease in the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and ER (p<0.0001) following the administration of varied concentrations of GKSE whereas testosterone (TST) significantly increased in male rats treated with 800mg/kg body weight/day of GKSE for 3 months (p=0.0001). Sections of the ovaries of female rats administered 400mg/kg of GKSE for 3 months revealed atypical hyperplasia whereas those treated with 800mg/kg of GKSE showed luteinized stromal cells with atypia. Sections of testicular tissue of male rats treated with 400 and 800mg/kg of GKSE for 3 months showed hypo-spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Further studies to elucidate the pathological effects of prolonged consumption of Garcinia kola in the reproductive organs are advocated.