Evaluation of Sperm and Haematological Parameters Boosting Potential of Breynia nivosa (W.Bull) Sm. (Euphorbiaceae) Leaf Extract in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria and almost all countries in Africa, the use of herbal medicines and herbal products had received general recognition by the people owing to their affordable prices as well historical believes associated with the efficacy of these herbs as compared to conventional drugs in the management and treatment of diseases.
Objectives: This study was carried in order to evaluate sperm and haematological parameters boosting potential of leaf methanol extract of Breynia nivosa in male Swiss albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Methanol leaf extract of the plant was administered to thirty male Swiss albino rats grouped into six groups of six rats per group orally for four weeks. The rats in group I served as negative control (administered with 10 mL normal saline), group II served as positive control (administered with a standard drug Spermovite 50 mg/kg), while groups III-VI were given 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of leaf extract respectively. Effect of the leaf extract on sexual organ's weight and blood parameters were determined as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) serum levels, and semen characteristics.
Results: Oral administration of methanol extract at doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg increased the body and sexual organ weights. There was significant increase in serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the treated groups (III-VI) compared to the control groups(I-II) at p≤0.05. The haematological parameters increased in dose-dependent fashion especially the white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and lymphocytes in the experimentally studied rats.
Conclusions: Our study showed that B. nivosa crude leaf extract boosts quality of sperm production as well as increases blood parameters in albino rats. Thus, the plant can be useful in the management of male infertility and sexual disorders.

Keywords: Breynia nivosa, Sperm boosting, Haematological parameters, Male albino rats