Histological changes in the testis of rats treated with Alomo Bitter

Abstract

Considering the increasing demand for herbal aphrodisiacs, this study investigates the effect of Alomo bitters on the
histology of testis in adult rats. 36 male rats of comparable weight (151.67 ± 2.89 grams) and sizes were involved in
this study. The animals were assigned into four groups; a control group (A) and three test groups (B, C and D). For 3 weeks, group A received growers mash and water, while test groups B1-B3, C1-C3 and D1-D3 representing  experimental durations of 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks respectively; received growers mash and graded doses of  Alomo bitters (7.5, 15, 22.5ml) daily. Histologiclly, micrographs from the test groups presented changes that  included interstitial space exudates, cellular pyknosis cellular degeneration, cell population reduction, and  vacuolations. These changes were dosage-duration dependent suggesting that Alomo bitters can induce testicular damage and by implication, infertility in males. Thus, there is an urgent need to regulate the consumption of Alomo bitters as well as other herbal products considered to possess aphrodisiac potentials.

Keywords: Alomo-bitters, Herbs, Male, Testis, Histology.