ABSTRACT
Carica Papaya (CP) plant (paw paw) is largely used for its curative benefit and now being exploited as an anti-fertility agent. The testicular histomorphometric correlation visa versa function is yet to be fully understood. This study aimed at quantifying the effects of aqueous extract of the bark of CP on the testes of adult Sprague–Dawley (S-D) rats. Ninety adult 6-8 weeks old male S-D rats were divided into nine groups [1DW(4wk), 1CP50(4wk), 1CP100(4wk), 2DW(8wk), 2CP50(8wk), 2CP100(8wk), 3DW(16wk), 3CP50(16wk) and 3CP100(16wk)] of 10 rats per group. Rats in groups 1DW(4wk), 2DW(8wk), and 3DW(16wk) served as control and were treated with distilled water (DW) for 4, 8 and 16 weeks respectively. Rats in groups 1CP50(4wk), 2CP50(8wk) and 2CP50(16wk) were fed 50 mg/ml/day CP, while those in groups 1CP100(4wk), 2CP100(8wk) and 2CP100(16wk) were fed 100 mg/ml/day CP. Rats in groups 2CP50(16wk) and 2CP100(16wk) compared to those in 3DW(16wk) were observed for possible reversibility after 8 weeks of withdrawal of the CP extract. Rats were sacrificed after the appropriate duration and testicular histological sections prepared for histometric analysis. Stereological parameters estimated were; tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, volume density, number of profiles per unit area, absolute volume of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitium, numerical density, length density and star volume of the seminiferous tubules. The result showed dose and duration dependent decrease in mean testicular volume, tubular diameter, cross sectional area and star volume of tubules. A converse increase in the length density, numerical density, number of profiles per unit area and volume density of tubules was also observed. Alteration in the histomorphometric data indicates that the CP bark extract can cause impairment in spermatogenesis.
ABSTRACT
The ratio of index finger length to ring finger length is called the “2D:4D digit ratio,” or more simply, the “digit ratio”. This study was to investigate if there are ignificant differences in the digit ratio (2D:4D) of infertile men attending an infertility clinic and men drawn from the general population in Akure Nigeria; to generate data locally to serve as a source for future referencing in anthropometry as it relates to male fertility assessment. A total of 84 participants were involved in this study. They include men attending an infertility clinic (n=42), and those drawn randomly from the general population (n=42) with regards to their fertility. Information on 2D:4D and the seminal fluid data from two samples were obtained. Direct digit estimates was done using digital calipers and indirectly by taking measurements from a digital image of the hand. The digit ratios were obtained by dividing the lengths, of the index finger by the ring finger. Semen was collected from each participant by masturbation and examined for count and motility to ascertain their fertility status. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the length of the fourth digit compared to the second digit in fertile men. The 2D:4D ratio in fertile men was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to infertile men. This study demonstrates an association between 2D:4D ratio and the fertility status in adult men in Akure metropolis Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a plant known widely particularly in the Indo-Malayan region for its uses in various ailments as reported in literature. However, little is known for its effect on the female reproductive system. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of methanolic seed extract of Momordica charantia on the estrous cycle and the histology of the ovary and uterus in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. A total of 20 adult cyclic female S-D rats (4-day cycles), weighing between 110‒ 140 g were used. These were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats/ group. The dose of the extract administered was 25 mg/100g body weight and the route of administration was oral by gastric gavages with a metal canula. Groups A and B were both treated with a daily dose of the extract for 28 days (7cycles) and vaginal smear monitored within this period between 9.00‒ 10.00 am daily. Animals in Groups C and D (control) were fed distilled water and vaginal smear monitored daily throughout the duration of the experiment. The effect of withdrawal of the extract was studied in Group B which was treated with distilled water for another 28 days. The rats were sacrificed by cerebral dislocation. Groups A and C at the end of the first 28 days while Groups B and D at the end of the second 28 days. The ovaries and uterii were harvested for histological studies. Irregular changes in the phases of the estrous cycle in all the treated rats were observed. The diestrous phase was increased while the proestrous and estrous phases were decreased significantly. These effects were reversible on withdrawal of the extract. Histological sections did not show any difference between the ovarian and uterine tissues of the treated and control respectively. The extract resulted in a reversible variation in the estrous cycle pattern. Histological sections reviewed were essentially normal.
ABSTRACT
Aframomum melegueta (Zingiberaceae) seeds are used in West Africa, as a remedy for variety of ailments such as stomach ache, snakebite, diarrhea and anti-inflammatory properties. The hypoglycaemic effects of crude leaf extract of Aframomum melegueta on the treatment of alloxan induced diabetes in male rats and non-diabetic rats (control) were examined in this study. Results obtained from the experiment showed that the elevated blood glucose level caused by oral administration of 250 mg / kg body weight of alloxan was reduced significantly (p < 0.01) by oral administration of Aframomum melegueta leaf extract doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg with the exception of 20 mg/kg when compared to control groups. The non-diabetic groups that received the extract showed reduction in blood sugar level as the dose increases when compared to their control group. There was a final weight gain and organ restoration for both the diabetic and non-diabetic rats after treatment when compared with their controls. This study showed that the extract have hypoglycemic and prophylactic effects.