Ameliorative and fecundity potentials of aqueous extract of Azanza garckeana (T. Hoffm) fruit pulp in formalin-induced toxicity on male albino mice

Abstract

The study investigated the ameliorative and fecundity potentials of Azanza garckeana on formalin-induced toxicity in mice testes. Male albino mice were divided into eight groups of five mice each. Group I was administered normal saline (1 ml/kg per oral); Group II received formalin (10 mg/kg) alone; Groups III, IV and V received formalin (10 mg/kg IP) plus extract (orally) at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively for 40 days; Groups VI, VII and VIII received extract alone at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Gonadotropin assays and sperm analysis were carried out using standard methods. Animals in groups III to VIII showed significant body weight increase  compared to baseline value (p<0.05) from day 20 to 40. Co-administration of the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg with formalin caused a significant increase in weight of the epididymis compared to control (p<0.05). Extract at 125 and 500 mg/kg induced significant increase in LH, FSH and testosterone compared to control (p<0.05). Extract alone at 250 and 500 mg/kg caused significant increase in FSH compared with control (p<0.05). Extract at 250 mg/kg demonstrated highest fecundity potential of 8.49. These results imply that Azanza garckeana possesses ameliorative and pro-fertility properties.

Keywords: Azanza garckeana; Gonadotropins; Aphrodisia; Fecundity; Gonadosomatic index; Sperm Motility