Evaluation of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cissampelos mucronata on Testicular Function Indices in Wistar Rats
T. D. Olaolu *
Department of Biological Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
O. G. Akinwande
Department of Biological Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
A. P. Olaolu
The Medical Unit, Landmark University Medical Centre, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cissampelos mucronata on testicular function indices in male wistar rats (Rattus novergicus).
Methodology: A total of 20 rats, grouped into four, with a group consisting of five rats were used for the study. The groups were a control administered 1.0 mL of distilled water and three other groups that were respectively administered - 1.0 mL of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract. The different groups were administered plant extract orally for 14 days, using metal oropharyngeal cannula.
Results: The results revealed a significant increase (P <0.05) in body weight, testes-body weight ratio, cholesterol and glycogen concentrations at all the doses except at 1200 mg/kg body weight of the animals where decreased glycogen level was observed. There was also significant decrease (P <0.05) in the concentrations of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and total testicular protein especially in rats administered with 1200 mg/kg body weight of extract while there was no significant change in the activities of gamma glutamyl transferase. Serum testosterone concentration was observed to decrease significantly (P <0.05) only in the rats administered with 300 mg/kg body weight of extract.
Conclusion: The results indicate anti-androgenic and anti-steroidogenic activities of Cissampelos mucronata aqueous leaf extract on males.
Keywords: Cissampelos mucronata, testicular function indices, anti-androgenic, anti-steroidogenic