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Sperm parameters of male Wistar rats treated with <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L. leaf extract


O.O. Obembe
A.O. Ige

Abstract

Objective: Annacardium occidentale is a medicinal plant with several biological properties. Phytochemical screening of its leaf and stem bark was reported to be rich in alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins. Many plant extract with these phytochemicals are reputed for their antifertility activities. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of Annacardium occidentale leaf extract (AOLE) on sperm parameters of male rats.

Methods: Fifteen male rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5). Group 1 served as the control and received 0.5 ml of the vehicle (distilled water). Groups 2 and 3 received 50 and 200 mg/kg respectively (daily, p.o) for 6 weeks. All rats were sacrificed by cervical decapitation. Organ weights and sperm analysis (motility, viability, count, volume and morphology) were determined.

Results: AOLE had no effect on total body weight, visceral organ weights and weights of testes, caudal epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland. Also sperm viability, sperm count, sperm volume and the percentage of sperm cells with abnormal morphology was not affected by AOLE treatment.

Conclusion: AOLE at doses administered caused a slight decline in sperm motility but had no effect on other male reproductive parameters.

Keywords: Annacardium occidentale, sperm, antifertility, phytochemicals


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eISSN: 2467-8252
print ISSN: 2360-7793