Effects of Mondia Whitei (Mukombero) on Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Testosterone, Sperm Characteristics and Testicular Tissue in male Wister Albino Rats

Abstract

Infertility affects about 8 to 12% of the world’s population and in about half of cases men are either the single cause or contribute to the couple’s infertility. Many indigenous plants have been reported to be effective in male fertility regulation. Mondia whitei is a widely used medicinal plant across Africa for treatment of sexual dysfunction yet minimal and often conflicting empirical data exists to support its therapeutic value. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous extract of Mondia whitei on reproductive hormone levels, sperm characteristics and gonadal histological changes in male albino rats following oral administration. Thirty six albino male rats weighing between 200mg-400mg were divided into 4 groups, each of nine rats. Group I comprised untreated controls while Groups II, III, and IV were treated with 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight respectively, using the aqueous extract of Mondia whitei via oral gavage. At the end of experiment, rats were humanely sacrificed using Carbon dioxide narcosis, and blood samples collected through a cardiac puncture and testes and epididymis dissected for sperm collection and histology. Serum levels for testosterone, LH & FSH were determined using immunoanyalzer. Sperm count, total motility, vitality and morphology were determined microscopically using a neubaeur chamber. Data analysis was undertaken using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) -Version 21.0). Median (Interquartile range-IQR) and Kruskal Wallis test were employed in the analysis and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The serum testosterone, FSH and LH concentration levels progressively decreased with time in all the three groups of rats treated with the extract (exposed) as compared with the controls which remained constant. However there was a rise in testosterone on first 10 days with low dose of 100mg/kg.The Kruskal wallis test indicated that the difference between and within the groups was statistically significant (all p < 0.05). The sperm count, motility, vitality concentration levels progressively decreased with time in all the three groups of rats treated with the extract (exposed) while the controls remained constant. The Kruska Wallis test indicated that the difference within and between groups was statistically significant except on the motility and vitality. Normal morphology percentage declined in different test groups as compared to the control groups (p=0.027). Trend analysis indicated that within the groups, normal morphology decreased significantly with time (all p<0.05) while abnormal head morphology and tail increased with time p=0.05. The gonadal tissue from the treated groups exhibited low sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules and a thin germinal epithelium. There was degeneration of leydig cells within the interstitium and clamping of spermatozoa in the epididymis in relation to increase in extract concentration and duration. This study concludes that Mondia whitei may be beneficial only at low dose and short duration but may alter male fertility if taken over a long time and also high doses. This shows that M whitei might be cytotoxic and can result in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.