Evaluation of potentials of aqueous ethanolic extract of <i>Psidium guajava</i> on reproductive functions of male Albino rats

Abstract

The therapeutic utilization of plants for managing several diseases by people of all continents, especially Africa, is as old as tradition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentials of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava on male reproductive parameters. Twenty-four male Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats per group. Rats in the control group were administered Tween 20^®. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered Psidium guajava aqueous ethanolic leaf extract orally at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily for 60 days. The body weights of the rats were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment. Sperm parameters and some reproductive organs weight of each rat was also determined, some organs were collected for histopathology. Assay for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone was done using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent methods. Some reproductive organs were collected for histopathological analyses. The results showed a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05) in the weight of male reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and hormones. The extract significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum testosterone in the group treated 400 mg/kg body weight when treated groups were compared with control. Furthermore, the results of FSH and LH revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase when the treated groups were compared with the control. The histopathological analysis did not reveal any form of damage to the architectural integrity of the testis. However, there was degenerating germinal epithelium in the group administered 400 mg/kg of the aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of P. guajava. Conclusion: aqueous ethanolic extract of P. guajava has positive effects on male reproductive parameters.