Authors : K.O. Oyedeji, A.F. Bolarinwa and A.A. Azeez
Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina is a shrub that grows throughout the tropical Africa. Several studies have reported the nutritional, anti-malaria and anti-helminthic effects of its extracts but there is scanty information on its effect on reproduction. This study was designed to investigate the effect of its methanolic extract on reproductive parameters in male Albino rats. Methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina is designated as MEVA. MEVA was prepared using cold maceration. The extract was administered for 30 days for andrological studies. Distilled water (0.5 mL) served as the control. Plasma testosterone levels were assayed using Enzyme-Link Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and semen analysis was done microscopically, histology of the testes was also done. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Treatment of rats with all the doses of MEVA caused significant decrease in testosterone levels, sperm motility and sperm count relative to control; while, there was no significant change in sperm viability. MEVA also caused severe germinal erosion and necrosis in the seminiferous tubules in the testes.
K.O. Oyedeji, A.F. Bolarinwa and A.A. Azeez, 2013. Effect of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina on Reproductive Parameters in Male Albino Rats. Research Journal of Pharmacology, 7: 7-11.