Aqueous Extract of Triumfetta Rhomboidea Jacq Leaves Modulates Hormones and Upregulates Male Fertility Function in Guinea Pig

Abstract

There is wide claims on the folkloric use of the leaves of Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq (TR) for most reproductive function among men in Nigeria. The effects of aqueous extracts of TR leaves on hormonal and male fertility function was investigated in male guinea pigs. The crude extract of TR was subjected to various serological and histological tests. Hormonal Parameters – testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin were assayed based on the solid-phase enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Semen analysis was carried out for the determination of the concentration of spermatozoa, sperm motility, percentages of abnormal sperm cells (sperm morphology) and debris. The testis, liver and kidney of each animal were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and subjected to histological examination. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of TR significantly (p < 0.05) increased the basal level of serum testosterone with little or no effect on the serum levels of LH, FSH and prolactin of the male guinea pig. The administration of 400 mg/kg of TR extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased the sperm count from 61.25 1.25 (control animals) to 81.75±2.02 (14 days) and 98.75 ± 4.2 (28 days). However, 25 - 400 mg/kg of the extract administered over the different duration of the study had no significant (p < 0.05) effect on the sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm debris respectively. TR over different times of exposures (7 – 28 days) caused mild, moderate to severely diffused and generalized macrovesicular steatosis in a time - dependent alterations of the various organs histology compared to the controls. The study shows that the aqueous extract of TR may be useful in treating fertility problems associated with oligospermia (low sperm count) and low testosterone level.