Published date: Apr 11 2023

Journal Title: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine

Issue title: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (IJRM): Volume 21, Issue No. 3

Pages: 237–244

DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i3.13199

Raphael Eguono Uwejighoruwejigho@unimed.edu.ngDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Laje Campus, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Kingsley Afoke IteireDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Laje Campus, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Felix Udawmojo EnemaliDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Laje Campus, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Background: Aerva lanata, a herb used as food and also consumed as a tonic by pregnant women to relieve stomach pains and prevent miscarriage. In addition to other characterized properties, it possesses antifertility and anti-implantation activities.

Objective: This study investigates the testicular toxicity of the testes of offsprings of Dams treated with crude aqueous extract of Aerva lanata.

Materials and Methods: 25 pregnant Wistar rats (Dams) weighing 180-240 gr were randomly earmarked into 5 groups (n = 5/each). Group A served as control; groups B, C, D, and E received 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Aerva lanata extract, respectively, beginning from 12th to 19th day of gestation. The pups (delivered of Dams) were weighed, observed, and sacrificed 6 wk post-parturition. The testes of the male pups were obtained for histological procedures the testis histology was examined.

Results: No gross malformation was observed in the treatment groups, the number of pups/litter was significantly reduced in group E (p = 0.01), pups weight analysis showed a significant reduction in groups C and E (p = 0.04, and 0.02 respectively), and the mean pup testes weight was significantly reduced in groups B, C, D, and E (p = 0.03, 0.03, 0.01, and < 0.001 respectively) when compared with control. Histologically, the treated pup testes tissues showed varying degrees of disruption and distortion of the cellular arrangements of the germinal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control.

Conclusion: The study revealed a testicular toxicity and possibly antifertility role of Aerva lanata in dams’ pups.

Key words: Amaranthaceae, Fertility, Male fertility, Male reproductive system, Local herbs.

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