Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Bridella ferruginea stem bark on the spermatogenesis, accessory reproductive organs, and organosomatic indices in pubertal male Rattus norvegicus

There is an increasing trend in the usage of medicinal plants in livestock production with some significantly toxic effects especially to vital organs such as reproductive tissues which necessitates this search. Twenty (20) matured male rats weighing 150-239g randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5) were used for the sub-acute toxicity. Group 1 rats were treated with distilled water while groups 2-4 were treated with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg respectively of the aqueous methanolic extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark (AMEBFSB) for 30 days. Animals were terminated on day 31 and some of the reproductive organs were collected and weighed. The Cauda epididymis served as a semen source for sperm analysis and testes were collected for histological examination.

There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the final body weights, average weights of testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland of the treated groups as compared to the control. The semen evaluated showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sperm motility, sperm count, and percent normal sperm cell morphology in the 400mg/kg group, no significant difference (p<0.05) in the sperm viability and acrosome integrity as compared to control. Photomicrograph revealed loss and thinning of germinal epithelium and widened seminiferous tubule lumen. In conclusion, the oral administration of AMEBFSB for 30 days in male rats showed that the plant has antispermatogenic effects on reproductive functions.