Pages: (52-67 )
Abstract
There is a globally noticeable decline in male fertility over time, often due to changing lifestyle habits such as food, work, alcoholism, medicaments amongst others. Cyathula prostrata is among the folkloric plants allegedly used in the management of male infertility. This study examines the potentials of Cyathula prostrata on spermatogenesis via sperm count, sperm motility and morphology as markers of male fertility. Six groups of six male Wistar rats were administered graded doses (0 – 300 mg/kg body weight) of C. prostrata leaf ethanol extract over 56 days. The semen was analyzed for sperm parameters, blood samples were analyzed for hormones, antioxidants, hepatic and renal functions and organs (testes, kidney, liver, and heart) of the rats were collected and subjected to histological assessment. Increased testicular levels of antioxidants: SOD, Catalase, glutathione S-transferase glutathione peroxidase and hormones; FSH and LH were observed. Enhanced spermatogenesis was observed in testicular sections in groups of rats administered C. prostrata extract (200 – 300 mg/kg body weight). Hepatic enzymes and renal functions remained significantly unaltered. Oral administration of Cyathula prostrata leaf extract (250 – 300 mg/kg body weight) has potentials of enhancing bodily functions linked to spermatogenesis.
Keywords: Cyathula prostrata, spermatogenesis, sperm, hormones, antioxidant, hepatic, renal,