Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Thunbergia alata (Boxer Ex Sims) on Reproductive Parameters in Male Wistar Rats
Leaves have been documented to enhance sexual activity, but the parameters they affect remain unknown. Thisstudy was to determine the effect of an aqueous leaf extract on reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats.Twenty-five male Wistar rats (150–200 g, n = 5) were grouped as follows: Group A: 1 mL of distilled waterNegative control, Group B: Sildenafil citrate 25 mg/kg b.w. Positive control: Group C: aqueous leaf extract at adose of 250 mg/kg b.w.; Group D: aqueous leaf extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w.; and Group E: aqueous leafextract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. These rats were orally administered with different test agents daily for 30days and thereafter sedated with diethyl ether, sacrificed, and the testis and epididymis removed. Sperm variablesexamined microscopically include serum sex hormones. It was indicated that there was a significant p = 0.006increase in the mean testosterone levels of the animals treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg as compared tothose treated with sildenafil. Significant increases in sperm count were seen in the animals treated with 1000mg/kg. Regarding the mean levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, the study notes that there was a significant (p<0.001) increase in the mean follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the animals that were treated with 500 mg/kgand 1000 mg/kg. A significant (p = 0.006) and (p = 0.013) increase in sperm motility was noted between theanimals treated with 1000 mg/kg and the animals that were treated with distilled water and 250 mg/kg,respectively. The study also noted a significant (p = 0.025) and (p <0.001) increase in sperm viability between theanimals treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of those that received distilled water. Furthermore, there wasalso a significant (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.013) increase in sperm viability in the animals treated with 1000 mg/kgand those that received sildenafil and 250 mg/kg, respectively.Keywords: Sexual dysfunction, Ejaculation, Sperm viability, Stimulating hormone