Toxicological Assessment of Methanol Hypocotyl Extract Of Borassus Aethiopum on Male Reproductive System of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: Hypocotyl extract of Borassus aethiopum is used in Northern Nigeria as aphrodisiac with no knowledge of its probable adverse effect on male reproductive system, toxic effect of medicinal plant on male reproductive organ in wistar rats have been documented, hence this study aimed at determining possible adverse effects of methanol hypocotyl extract of Borassus aethiopum in male Wistar rats.

Method: Nine rats were grouped into 3 were used for acute toxicity study (ATS), group 1(control), received distilled water, group 2 and 3 were given single dose of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg respectively of the extract by oral gavage respectively and observed them for signs of toxicities and mortality for 72 hours, and up to 14 days, and then sacrificed. Twenty-five rats divided into four groups were used for sub-chronic toxicity study (STS); group 1 (control) received distilled water, group 2, 3 and 4 were given oral graded doses of the extract of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg respectively for 28 days, and then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for reproductive hormonal analysis; testes and seminal vesicle were harvested for histological investigation.

Result: In ATS, the LD₅₀ of the extract is greater than 5000mg/kg, testosterone and progesterone significantly increased in group 3 than the control. In STS, there is significant increase in testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones; distortion of interstitial spaces of testes and epithelial lining damage of acini of seminal vesicle in the groups that received higher doses.

Conclusion: Hypocotyl extract of Borassus aethiopum is safe for human consumption from the LD₅₀ result, however; toxicity studies indicated that the dose and duration must be regulated to avoid untoward adverse effects.