Influence of Lophira lanceolata Leaf Extract on Reproductive Indices and Hematological Parameters in Male Wistar Rats doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v5i4.24

Abstract

Lophira lanceolata is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of toothache, liver infections, cough, fever and heart pains. Currently, the patronage of medicinal plants as an alternative to synthetic drugs has increased. This present study aim to investigate the effects of Lophira. lanceolata leaf extract on reproductive indices, haematological parameters and serum biochemical parameter in male Wistar rats. Mature rats weighing 200-220g, n= 5 per group were administered L. lanceolata extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage for 21days. The cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, livability and hematological parameters were assessed by standard procedures. The levels of testosterone, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined spectrophotometrically. Formalin-fixed, H&E stained tissues were examined using a light microscope. The results showed that administration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of L. lanceolata extract decreased the sperm count significantly (p< 0.05) by 27, 36 and 38% and the sperm motility by 50, 47 and 80% respectively. The percentage abnormality also increased by 10, 31 and 17% respectively. Similarly, histopathological changes were observed in the testes of rats orally administered L.lanceolata extract. However, there were no significant changes in the hematological indices and activities of AST, ALT and ALP compared to control. This study showed that L. lanceolata had adverse effects on male reproductive parameters but had no effects on hematological indices and liver enzyme activities. Therefore, the extract should be administered with caution.