Phytochemistry and Reproductive Activities of Male Albino Rats Treated with Crude Leaf Extract of Great Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the reproductive activities of male albino rats treated with crude leaf extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis. The total of thirty sexually matured male albino rats of about eleven weeks, weighing between 120-180 g were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) with 6 rats in each group. Rats in group A served as the control and were fed with normal commercial feed only; groups B, C, D and E received 150, 300, 450 and 600 mg kgG 1 Body Weight (BW) of the test substance, respectively. The results of the phytochemistry showed high content of phytates (49.27%) and other bioactive compounds in the leaf extracts. Results on the sperm parameters revealed significant reduction (p<0.05) in the sperm count, viability and motility. Sperm head abnormalities were also significant in the different groups with the highest recorded at 600 mg kgG 1 BW (8.75%). Although, there were no significant difference in the epididymides weight of rats in the different groups, the testes weight was significantly reduced (p<0.05). From the present results, there is a dire need to always apply caution on the use of B. spectabilis in combating diseases considering the possible adverse effects that it could pose on spermatogenic pathways.

Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on Some Reproductive Indices of Male Albino Rats

“…This could therefore suggests that prolonged treatment of rats with Phyllanthus amarus have altered hormonal imbalances, testicular degradation and suppresses spermatogenesis with a possible potential side effects; which may lead to male infertility. In the same line of thought, Ikpeme et al [25] noted that disruptions in fertility male mammals was directly correlated to disruptions in spermatogenesis. So this may suggests that Phyllanthus amarus treatment altered spermatogenic pathways and processes; with a concomitant reduction in reproductive sperm parameters as observed from the results of this study.…”

“…These active phytochemicals are found in Phyllanthus amarus [5], therefore contributing to the alterations of spermatogenic processes and pathways in the male rats treated with the plant under investigation This assertion is in conformity with other reports [30,32-34] who documented on the antifertility properties of medicinal plants. The length of time and intensity of spermatozoa motility, sperm density and the percentage of motile sperm are reproductive parameters that have received numerous research attentions in man, mammals and fish [18][19][22][23][24][25][26][29][30][31][32][33][34] in order to assess sperm quality and quantity.Testicular weight reduction in animals treated with plants extracts revealed distortions in the testicular integrity [31]. The decrease in the mean weight of testes and epididymes treated with Phyllanthus amarus support the concomitant decrease observed in the sperm count or volume and other sperm parameters observed in the experimental male animals model treated.…”

Bougainvillea Genus: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology

“…A reduction in testosterone and oestrogen levels [ 21 ] as well as sperm count, viability, and motility [ 56 ] was observed in albino Swiss male and female mice orally treated with ethanol extract from B. spectabilis .…”

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“…After thawing at room temperature, the cauda epididymis was homogenized, for 1 min, in 10 ml normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) containing 0.05% triton X-100. Sperm count was determined at 400x magnification using neubauer chamber as described by Ikpeme et al 16 Male Toxicity: Body weight changes were monitored to evaluate male toxicity. Following each period of exposure at mating, boy weight was evaluated.…”