Histoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Cyperus Esculentus Seeds on the Testicular Effects of Fluoxetine in Adult Wistar Rats

Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of fluoxetine and this is responsible for most treatment discontinuation. Certain dietary supplements may attenuate the deleterious effects of medications. Cyperus esculentus seeds have numerous phytochemical constituents which are rich in antioxidant effects. The evaluation of the protective effects of this extract on the testicular effects of fluoxetine in Wistar rats was the aimed of this study. Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight (8) groups of five (5) rats each (Group A to H). The rats received different doses of fluoxetine (group B - E) and different doses of crude extract with concomitant doses of fluoxetine (group F - H). All administrations of medication and extract were carried out via oral gavage for a period of 30 days. Euthanasia of animals at the end of the treatment period was carried out and the testicular tissues were dissected out for processing. The processing entail fixation of entire testicular tissue in Bouin’s fluid and staining with hematoxylin and eosin stain for histological evaluations. Exposure to various doses of fluoxetine resulted in generation of free radicals and altered histological and testicular functions, which is reflected by a decline in the sperm motility, sperm count and relative testicular weights. Treatment with 2 g/kg of the extract brings about restoration and normalization of histological alterations as well as restoration in the above spermatogenic parameters. Therefore, this study adduced the attenuated effect of Cyperus esculentus against the testicular effects of fluoxetine in Wistar rats.

Key Words: Sexual dysfunction (SD), Histoprotective, Sperm count, Cyperus esculentus, Fluoxetine.