Phytochemical profile and ameliorative effect of fractions of methanol root bark extract of Afzelia africana (Smith) of family Fabeceae on libido, testosterone and sperm characteristics of diabetic male rats

摘要

Purpose: To evaluate the ameliorative potential of Afzelia africana (Smith) of family Fabeceae extract fractions on reproductive disorders associated with diabetes mellitus in diabetic male rats and the phytoconstituents of the active fraction. Methods: Diabetic male rats were treated with the extract fractions and glibenclamide (standard anti-hyperglycemic agent) for 21 days, and their individual ameliorative effects on libido score (LS), testosterone level (TL), sperm motility (PSM) and epididymal sperm reserve (ESR) were determined and compared with those for diabetic untreated, and normal male rats. Results: Optimum ameliorative potentials in respect of all the parameters measured were produced by fraction 3. There were significant increases in the results of fraction 3 (p 0.05) from fraction 3-treated and normal groups but its LS and PSM decreased significantly, compared to fraction 3-treated group and normal rats. Phytochemical analysis of fraction 3 revealed the presence of flavonoids. Conclusion: Fraction 3 of the extract is a potential source of new classes of chemical agents that could be useful in ameliorating the reproductive dysfunction associated with diabetes in males.