Histological, Hormonal and Semen Quality Assessment Following Ingestion of Clove Buds (Syzgium aromaticum) on the Testes of Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Environmental pollution, stress, lifestyle, infections and several other factors are major aetiological factors of male infertility. To evaluate the effects of oral ingestion of aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove buds) on the seminiferous tubules, testicular histology, testosterone level and its effects on semen profile. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats used for this study were divided into three groups; Group A- control (n=10), Groups B (n=5) and C (n=5) experimental groups treated with 200mg/kg b.w per day of crude extract of Syzygium aromaticum for 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively via oral intubation. Testes stained for histological analysis, serum testosterone level and caudal epididymis excised for semen analysis using Neubauer Chamber. There was a statistical significant (P<0.05) increase in body, testicular weights and serum testosterone in 200mg/kg Syzygium aromaticum bud treated group as compared to the control. Seminiferous tubules shows spermatogenic cells series, proliferative Leydig as well as normal sperm morphology with no teratozoospermic, oligospermic or azoospermic condition detected. Semen analysis showed a statistical significant (P<0.05) increase in sperm count and motility in 200mg/kg Syzygium aromaticum extract treated animals. Aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum has antioxidant and androgenic potential that mediates proliferation of Leydig cell and spermatogenic cells series. Hence, this forms the therapeutic basis of its use in treating male fertility disorders.

Key Words: Seminiferous tubules, Spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells Syzygium aromaticum