Evaluation of Aloe Megalacantha Baker Leaf Latex on Testicular Histopathology and Hormonal Profile of Sprague Dawley Rats
Hani Wendmu1, Peter Etim Ekanem1*
, Birhane Alem1, Adhanom Gebreslassie1, Nigus Abrha1, Yohannes Tekle Asfaw2 and Anne Caroline Kendi Nyaga31Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
2 Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia
3Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Corresponding Author Email:etimakpan@gmail.comAbstract: Introduction:Aloe megalacanthaBaker is an endemic plant growing in Ethiopia. It is commonly used by traditional healers in the eastern and northern parts of the country to treat various ailments. Aim: The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of Aloe megalacanthaBaker leaf latex on testicular histopathology and hormonal profiles of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology:Adult male Sprague Dawleyrats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each. GroupI received 0.5ml distilled water. Groups II, III, and IV were treated with doses of 200mg, 400mg,and 600mg per kilogram body weight per dayofAloemegalacanthaleaf latex orally using gavage for 28 days(sub-acute treatment). Assessments of testicular histopathology, sperm analysis, and hormonal assays were performed to evaluate the contraceptive effect of the leaf latex. Results: Thisstudy revealed thatAloe megalacanthaBaker leaf latex induces vascular, cellular, and structural changes in the testesat all doses. The mean values of testosterone and luteinizing hormones weresignificantly decreased in rats treated at 400mg/kg and 600mg/kgof leaf latex compared with the control group. The concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone levels also decreased significantly at 600mg/kg/daydosing of the leaf latex when compared with the control group. Increased morphological abnormality of sperm cells accompanied by a dose-dependent significant reduction of sperm count and motility were also observed in the study. Conclusions:Aloe megalacanthaBaker could affect male rats by altering histoarchitecture of the testes, lowering hormone levels, increasing abnormal sperm morphology, reducing sperm concentration, and decreasing sperm motility. It could, therefore, act asa contraceptive or antifertility agent.
Keywords: Aloe Megalacantha; Contraceptive; Hormonal Profile; Testicular Histopathology Back to TOC