Authors : Olufisayo O. Leigh and Oluremi E. Fayemi
Abstract: The effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratisssimum on testicular histology and spermiogram were investigated using 18 male albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: A-C, each containing 6 rats. Fifty grams of fresh leaves of Ocimum gratisssimum were rinsed, thoroughly blended in 100 mL of distilled water and filtered through filter paper. A 10x10-4 and 5x10-4 mL kg-1 of the filtrate were administered to groups A and B, respectively thrice weekly for 5 weeks. Group C served as control and received distilled water. Histopathology revealed mild to severe congestion and edema as well as germinal tissue erosion of the seminiferous tubules. Spermatozoa motility, concentration, live-dead ratio and semen volume did not show significant changes (p>0.05). However, differences in spermatozoa abnormalities between control and tested groups were highly significant (p<0.01). Mean differences in sperm abnormalities between groups A (28.5), B (13.75) and the control were also greater than calculated Least Significant Difference (LSD) value of 2.146. These findings indicate antifertility properties of Ocimum gratisssimum.
Olufisayo O. Leigh and Oluremi E. Fayemi, 2008. Effects of Crude Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratisssimum Leaves on Testicular Histology and Spermiogram in the Male Albino Rat (Wistar strain). Veterinary Research, 2: 42-46.