EFFECTS OF METHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT OF OCHNA SCHWEINFURTHIANA (EZEATA) ON REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE AND SEMEN ANALYSIS IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Ifemenam K. E., Akunneh Warriso C., Ezeh A. K., *Nwozor C. M., Enwelum H. O., Adinnu D. C., Iwuamadi C. E.
ABSTRACT
The effects of methanol extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana on reproductive hormone (testosterone), semen analysis in male wistar rats were studied. The phytochemical screening was evaluated and was found to contain glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycoside, steroids, trepenoids and the fractionated portion contained phytoestrogen. Twenty five (25) experimental animals were randomly grouped into five groups of 5 rats per group and were allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks. Rats in group A served as the control and were fed with rat feed and water (normal saline), rats in group B severed as positive control received low dose Tamoxifen (20mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks, rat feed and water, rats in group C to E were fed with normal rat feed, water and were fed with different doses of Ochna schweinfurthiana extract at 200, 400 and 800mg/kg respectively for 4 weeks. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia after the experiment and the male genitalia were surgically exposed and the cauda epididymis, left testicle were harvested and the weights were taken. Semen sample and blood were collected for semen analysis and testosterone level. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the sperm motility of the test group p< 0.05, decrease in sperm count of the test group p< 0.05, decrease in the normal sperm morphology, and decrease in the testosterone level. Hence Ochna schweinfurthiana may be toxic to male reproductive organ.
Keywords: Testosterone, semen analysis, ochna schweinfurthiana, male Wistar rats.
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