Aqueous root extract of Chrysophyllum albidum caused dose and duration dependent increases in some reproductive hormones and spermatogenic arrest in the testes of male Wistar rats

Abstract Background aim In ethnomedicine, different parts of Chrysophyllum albidum have been used as herbal remedies for the treatment and management of various ailments. This study was carried out to determine the dose and duration dependent effects of administration of aqueous root extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum on the serum concentrations of some reproductive hormones and testes of the experimental rats. Methods Forty-five adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. They were randomized into 3 groups (groups 1, 2 & 3) of 15 rats each, with each group further randomized into 3 subgroups (subgroups 1a, 1b, 1c; 2a, 2b, 2c; 3a, 3b, 3c) of 5 rats each, according to the dose and duration of extract administration. Results At the 8th week of extract administration, there were significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of FSH in the treated subgroups while at weeks 6 and 8, there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in the serum concentrations of LH of the treated subgroups as compared to those of the control subgroups. Also, at weeks 6 and 8, administration of the extract resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increases in the concentrations of serum testosterone in the treated subgroups. Photomicrograph of the testes revealed focal spermatogenic arrest in the area biopsied in the treated subgroups (with low and high doses) at weeks 6 and 8 of extract administration. Conclusion The administration of aqueous root extract of Chrysophyllum albidum to male Wistar rats at increasing doses and time duration may affect their fertility and calls for caution in the prolonged use of the plant in folk medicine