Evaluation of aloe megalacantha baker leaf latex on testicular histopathology and hormonal profile of sprague dawley rats

Abstract

Aloe megalacantha Baker is an endemic plant growing in Ethiopia. It is commonly used by traditional healers in the eastern and northern parts of the country to treat various ailments. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of Aloe megalacantha Baker leaf latex on testicular histopathology and hormonal profiles of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I received 0.5ml distilled water. Groups II, III, and IV were treated with doses of 200mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg per kilogram body weight per day of Aloe megalacantha leaf latex orally using gavage for 28 days (sub-acute treatment). Assessments of testicular histopathology, sperm analysis, and hormonal assays were performed to evaluate the contraceptive effect of the leaf latex. This study revealed that Aloe megalacantha Baker leaf latex induces vascular, cellular, and structural changes in the testes at all doses. The mean values of testosterone and luteinizing hormones were significantly decreased in rats treated at 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg of leaf latex compared with the control group. The concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone levels also decreased significantly at 600mg/kg/day dosing of the leaf latex when compared with the control group. Increased morphological abnormality of sperm cells accompanied by a dose-dependent significant reduction of sperm count and motility were also observed in the study. Aloe megalacantha Baker could affect male rats by altering histo architecture of the testes, lowering hormone levels, increasing abnormal sperm morphology, reducing sperm concentration, and decreasing sperm motility. It could, therefore, act as a contraceptive or antifertility agent.