Abstract

EFFECTS OF PIPER UMBELLATUM LINN. (PIPERACEAE) LEAVES EXTRACT ON ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY IN MALE RATS

Mballa Marguerite Francine, Bilanda Claude Danielle, Dzeufiet Djomeni Paul Désiré*, Kameni Poumeni Mireille, Ngoungoure Madeleine Chantal, Dimo Théophile and Kamtchouing Pierre

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies found that aluminium has detrimental effects on body systems, including the reproductive one. Piper umbellatum, a plant used as spice and vegetable in the southern part of Cameroon, has been reported having many therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and aphrodisiac. So, this study was undertaken to assess the effects of Piper umbellatum leaves extract on aluminium chloride reproductive toxicity in male rats and to perform the phytochemical screening of the extract. Rats first received aluminium chloride for 35 days. Then, for 60 days, rats were treated with Piper umbellatum aqueous leaves extract at the doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg. A libido test was performed the 55th day. The 61st day, rats were sacrificed and blood taken for biochemical analysis. Sexual organs were weighted. The epididymal sperm was collected for evaluation of sperm count and motility. The testis and the epididymis were homogenised for biochemical analysis. The testis and the epididymis were kept in the Bouin’s solution for histological analysis. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins in the extract. Aluminium caused a significant decrease in organ weight (p < 0.05), sperm count and motility (p < 0.05) and oxidative stress (p < 0.05). In addition, histological damages were observed in the testes and epididymis. Our results revealed that aluminium reproductive toxicity was reversed by Piper umbellatum extract which exhibited pro-fertility properties. This may justify the use of the plant for the management of male fertility problems.

Keywords: Piper umbellatum, reproductive toxicity, antioxidant, male fertility, libido.