Antifertility Potentials of Aqueous Seed Extract of Xylopia aethiopica in Adult Male Wistar Rats
*1Daniel E. Odiase, 2Zekeri C. Sule, 1Ruby U. Augustine and 1Fredrick O. Tobalu
1Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: daniel.odiase@uniben.edu; Tel: +2348067106187
Recieved Date: 03rd October, 2022; Accepted Date: 15th November, 2022; Published Date: December, 2022
Citation: Odiase, DE, Sule, ZC, Augustine, RU, Tobalu,FO. Antifertility Potentials of Aqueous Seed Extract of Xylopia aethiopica in Adult Male Wistar Rats J Basic Appl Med Scis 2022;2(2):26-35
ABSTRACT
Background: There has been increased ingestion of concoctions and products from plants origin to boost male sexual functions. Xylopia aethiopica is one of such plant with wide uses and acclaimed sexual importance. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica on the male sexual function and histology of the testes of adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats weighing between 180g and 200g were used for this study. They were divided into four groups. Group A served as the control group, while treatment groups (B, C and D) were administered 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for a period of 56 days, after which the testes were excised, weighed and fixed in Bouin`s fluid for histological analysis. Semen was aspirated and analyzed for sperm motility, morphology and total count. Results: Results obtained showed that there was significant increase (P<0.05) in body and testicular weight in the treated groups when compared with the control group. A significant reduction was observed in sperm characteristics (P<0.05) in groups treated with 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of the extract compared to the control group. Histologically, the testes showed decreased tubular density and tubular atrophy in the groups administered with the extract. Conclusion: High doses of Xylopia aethiopica may have antifertility potentials in the male rats.