THE SPERMTOGRAM OF MALE WISTAR RATS TREATED WITH AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF Vernonia amygdalina

摘要

The reproductive implications of the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina were studied using twelve male albino rats (Wistar strain). Two experimental groups (A and B) were treated with 500mg.kg~(-1) body weight and 250mg.kg~(-1) body weight respectively for 15 days and the control group C were not treated with the extract. The spermatozoa from the caudal epididymides were then studied in these three groups. It was observed that the mohility of spermatozoa from groups A and B with percentage values of 34.00 ±2.28 and 60.00 ±0.00 respectively were significantly lower (P>0.05) than for group C which had 92.50 ±0.00. The percentage livability of the sperm cells were also lower in groups A and B with 92.00 ±0.54 and 95.20 ±0.75 respectivelythan for the control of group with value of C 98.00 concentration of the experimental groups 53.20± 1.49 for group B) were also significantly lower (P>0.05) than for the control group (C 88.50 ±0.00). The histopathology of the testes revealed hypoplasia of the seminiferous tubules in groups A and B as compared to the normal somniferous tubules in the control group (C). It can be concluded, therefore, that the uncontrolled use of Vernonia amygdalina have an adverse effect on the spermiogram and spermatozoa/morphology of the intact male Wistar rats.