European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF THE TOXICITY OF ACETONE EXTRACT OF GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM LEAF ON HUMAN SPERM CELLS

Nwobodo H.A.*

ABSTRACT

Research has shown that Gossypium hirsutum has inhibitory effects on cancer cell lines, hence the use of its leaf, root and bark by the locals in cancer treatment. Acetone leaf extract of Gossypium hirsutum was evaluated for toxicity on human sperm cells using standard methods. The leaves of the plant were processed and the phytochemical and toxicity on human sperm cells analyzed using standard methods. The extract were added at different time intervals after sperm production (0mins, 45mins, 90mins, 135mins, 180mins, 225mins and 270mins) and at different concentrations (50 mg/ml, 23 mg/ml, 12.5mg/m 6.25mg/ml). The result showed variations in the motility of the sperms cells and viable sperm cell count at the various concentrations of the acetone leaf extract of Gossypium hirsutum used. The result showed that as the concentration of the leaf extract increased, motility and viable count decreased. Normal motility of the sperm cells and viable sperm cell count was recorded at 20mg/ml, 70mg/ml, 85mg/l, 100mg/ml, 119mg/ml at 45mins. The result showed no motility and viability at 270mins. Hence, the research suggested that acetone leaf extract of Gossypium hirsutum has toxic effect on human sperm cells. Further research should be conducted to isolate, purify and characterize the bioactive component of the leaf extract of G. hirsutum extract responsible for the observed toxic effect.

Keywords: Toxicity, Acetone leaf extract, Gossypium hirsutum, sperm cells.