Abstract

AMELIORATIVE IMPACT OF PHYTOCHEMICAL FRACTIONS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA LEAVE EXTRACTS ON MALE SEX HORMONE LEVELS AND TESTICULAR INTEGRITY IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC ALBINO WISTAR RATS.

*Bob I. A. Mgbeje, Flora O. Ugoanyanwu, Godwin O. Igile and Patrick E. Ebong

ABSTRACT

The structure and function of the testes, a major organ of reproduction, is altered by diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of methanol and butanol fractions of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf extract on male sex hormone levels and testicular injury in diabetic rat testes. Forty-eight male albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200g were divided into eight groups of six rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and diabetic controls and received 0.5 ml dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) each. Group 3 received 5 IU/kg.bw of insulin while groups 4 were given 200mg/kg.bw crude extract. Groups 5-8 were given 75mg/kg.bw 30%, 50%, 100% methanol and butanol fraction respectively. Serum Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone level and histology of the testes were analyzed after 28 days treatment period. The results showed a significant (p

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina; Diabetes; Testicular damage; Lutenizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone.