ABSTRACT
The roots of Hymenocardia acida are used in traditional African medicine to treat mainly erectile dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the lethal and sub-lethal toxicities of the aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots in in two rodents species, namely Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus. The acute intraperitoneal and oral toxicities of the extract were determined by the method of Miller and Tainter. Subchronic oral toxicity with doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was assessed according to the slightly modified OECD 408 method. The results showed that the 50% intraperitoneal lethal dose was 223.87 mg/kg body weight in mice. In addition, the 50% oral lethal dose in mice was greater than 12,000 mg/kg body weight. In the subchronic study, the extract induced a significant (P < .001) increase in white blood cell count at 1000 mg/kg body weight after 60 days of treatment. From the thirtieth day of treatment onwards, the extract induced a significant (P < .05) reduction in blood glucose levels at the 500 mg/kg body weight dose and a significant (P < .05) increase in blood glucose levels at the 1000 mg/kg body weight dose. Aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida roots is toxic by the intraperitoneal route and exerts a non-specific immunity action at high doses. It was harmless to rats at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/Kg of body weight.
ABSTRACT
Against growing male infertility in the world, investigations are undertaken to find new bioactive molecules. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological effects of aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea on the reproductive parameters of male rats. Indeed, 36 male rats were divided into 2 groups of 18 each and treated for 30 days (set I) and 60 days (set II). Each set was subdivided into three groups. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with 50 (AECF50) and 100 (AECF100) mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea respectively. The results showed that extract induces significant increase in the wet weight of testis, seminal vesicles, epididymis, prostate and levator ani muscle as well as the dry weight of the latter. On the sperm parameters, the extract produced a significant increase in the number of motile spermatozoa, number of spermatozoa and number of normal spermatozoa. The extract also increased serum levels of pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and testosterone. Histological study showed that, Cnestis ferruginea induced significant increase in the seminiferous tubules diameter. In conclusion, the extract of Cnestis ferruginea could contain androgen-like substances capable of improving the fertility of male rats.