ABSTRACT
Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the reproductive indices of male rats were investigated. A total of 104 adult rats were used for the experiment, and were divided into 4 groups (group A – D) and replicated in triplicate. Group A served as the normal control, while groups B, C and D received three graded doses (800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) of the extracts, respectively, by oral intubation. The gonad characteristics, sperm parameters and hormonal analyses of the male rats were determined using standard procedures. These were ascertained prior to the commencement of treatment, and on weekly basis. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS and R software at 95% confidence interval. An overall dose and time dependent showed significant differences in the mean weekly gonad characteristics of the male rats in the treatment groups when compared with the control. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weights of the male rats, but a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the testes weights, gonad somatic index, sperm count and sperm motility in the rats. The gonadal hormone testosterone, responded to the plant extracts, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were largely undetected. There were significant increases in the testosterone levels of all the treated rats. Conclusively, aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seems to possess ability to enhance reproductive health in male rats.
ABSTRACT
Aim: Evaluation of the anti-obesity potentials of Sphenostylis stenocarpa ethanolic seed extract in albino rats. Study Design: Experimental design. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, from October to December, 2017. Methodology: The rats were assigned into 6 groups (A- F) of 12 rats per group replicated three times. Obesity was induced in rats of groups B to F, by daily feeding with high fat diet for 5 weeks. Only rats with an abdominal circumference (AC) of 20 cm, thoracic circumference (TC) of 17 cm and body mass index (BMI) of 0.68 g/cm2 and above respectively were considered obese and used for the study. The extract obtained by standard methods was screened phytochemically. Whereas the rats in the normal control (group A) received normal growers mash diet and distilled water, the obese negative control (group B) received the high fat diet and distilled water only, while the positive control (group C) received high fat diet, distilled water and 60 mg/kg b.wt of Orlistat. Graded doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.wt of the extract were administered to groups D, E and F respectively. Results: Evidently, 400 mg/kg of Sphenostylis stenocarpa treatment proved to be the most effective dose in all parameters assayed. The treatments proved to be more effective when compared with the negative control than as compared with the positive control. Conclusion: The ethanolic seed extract of Sphenostylis stenocarpa proved to possess some anti-obesity potentiality which evidently seems to be most effective with longer duration of treatment.