Abstract

Leaves have been documented to enhance sexual activity, but the parameters they affect remain unknown. This
study was to determine the effect of an aqueous leaf extract on reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats.
Twenty-five male Wistar rats (150–200 g, n = 5) were grouped as follows: Group A: 1 mL of distilled water
Negative control, Group B: Sildenafil citrate 25 mg/kg b.w. Positive control: Group C: aqueous leaf extract at a
dose of 250 mg/kg b.w.; Group D: aqueous leaf extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w.; and Group E: aqueous leaf
extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. These rats were orally administered with different test agents daily for 30
days and thereafter sedated with diethyl ether, sacrificed, and the testis and epididymis removed. Sperm variables
examined microscopically include serum sex hormones. It was indicated that there was a significant p = 0.006
increase in the mean testosterone levels of the animals treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg as compared to
those treated with sildenafil. Significant increases in sperm count were seen in the animals treated with 1000
mg/kg. Regarding the mean levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, the study notes that there was a significant (p
<0.001) increase in the mean follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the animals that were treated with 500 mg/kg
and 1000 mg/kg. A significant (p = 0.006) and (p = 0.013) increase in sperm motility was noted between the
animals treated with 1000 mg/kg and the animals that were treated with distilled water and 250 mg/kg,
respectively. The study also noted a significant (p = 0.025) and (p <0.001) increase in sperm viability between the
animals treated with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of those that received distilled water. Furthermore, there was
also a significant (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.013) increase in sperm viability in the animals treated with 1000 mg/kg
and those that received sildenafil and 250 mg/kg, respectively.
Keywords: Sexual dysfunction, Ejaculation, Sperm viability, Stimulating hormone