Androgenic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Blighia sapida (Ackee) Barks in Male Sprague- Dawley Rats

Blighia sapida is an herbal plant cultivated in West Africa that has been observed to have multipurpose properties. To investigate the androgenic effects of Blighia sapida (Ackee bark) extracts in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats weighing 135±15g were used for this study. They were randomly divided groups of six rats. Group A (Control) received 1 ml of DW. Group B-D received 100ml/kg, 200ml/kg and 400ml/kg of Blighia sapida respectively. After administration for 56 days, five animals were randomly chosen and euthanized. The testes were harvested for histology and oxidative stress, blood for hormonal milieu. There was a decrease in the values of FSH and LH when treatment groups were compared to control. Semen analysis showed decrease in parameters when treatment groups were compared to control. A significant increase was recorded when treatment groups were compared to control in MDA and significant decrease was observed in CAT, SOD and GSH when treatment groups were compared to control. A decrease was observed in testicular weight when treatment group was compared to Control. Blighia sapida showed deleterious effects on the male reproductive system as there was reduced secretion of testicular hormones. It also induced oxidative stress on the testis had adverse effect on seminal parameters.

Key Words: Blighia sapida, FSH, LH, Testosterone, Oxidative stress