Evaluation of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cissampelos mucronata on Testicular Function Indices in Wistar Rats

Aim: This study aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cissampelos mucronata on testicular function indices in male wistar rats (Rattus novergicus).

Methodology: A total of 20 rats, grouped into four, with a group consisting of five rats were used for the study. The groups were a control administered 1.0 mL of distilled water and three other groups that were respectively administered - 1.0 mL of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract. The different groups were administered plant extract orally for 14 days, using metal oropharyngeal cannula.

Results: The results revealed a significant increase (P <0.05) in body weight, testes-body weight ratio, cholesterol and glycogen concentrations at all the doses except at 1200 mg/kg body weight of the animals where decreased glycogen level was observed. There was also significant decrease (P <0.05) in the concentrations of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and total testicular protein especially in rats administered with 1200 mg/kg body weight of extract while there was no significant change in the activities of gamma glutamyl transferase. Serum testosterone concentration was observed to decrease significantly (P <0.05) only in the rats administered with 300 mg/kg body weight of extract.

Conclusion: The results indicate anti-androgenic and anti-steroidogenic activities of Cissampelos mucronata aqueous leaf extract on males.