EFFECTS OF SUB-CHRONIC ORAL INTAKE OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA CALYX EXTRACT ON SOME REPRODUCTIVE INDICES IN ADULT MALE RATS
Ezike AC1*, Orji CH1, Ochiogu IS2, Ndu OO1, Mbaoji FN1, Akah PA1
- Department of Pharmacology &Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Obstetrics & Reproductive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 8(1): 64-70; June/July 2016
ABSTRACT
The effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) calyx methanol extract (HSME) on some indices of reproduction in male rats were evaluated. Twelve weeks old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly grouped (n=6) and orally administered HSME at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg daily for 13 weeks. Body weights of the rats were determined on days 0, 28, 56 and 91 of HSME administration. At the end of 13 weeks, serum testosterone levels and cauda epididymal sperm reserve were evaluated, and sections of the testes were subjected to histological examination. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity (LD50) test. Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the testosterone level of animals administered 200 and 400 mg/kg and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in those administered 800 mg/kg of HSME. The HSME (200-800 mg/kg) elicited a significant (P<0.05) and dose-related reduction in the epididymal sperm count, but did not cause any visible pathological lesions in the testes. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in weight gain of the HSME-treated animals compared to control. The HSME tested positive for anthocyanins, alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, proteins and steroids, while the oral LD50 was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The study demonstrated that sub-chronic daily oral intake of H. sabdariffa calyx extract at 400 mg/kg or less increased testosterone level, while higher doses produced remarkable reduction; also the extract (200-800 mg/kg) reduced cauda epididymal sperm count, but did not cause any obvious pathological lesions in the rat testes.
*Corresponding Author: adaobi.ezike@unn.edu.ng