Testicular pathology in albino rats administered graded doses of ethanol leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus

Abstract

Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties. This study investigated if increased doses of C. citratus ethanol extract can cause any serious adverse effect (gross, histological, hormonal, and/or inflammatory responses) on the testes of male albino rats. The sixty albino rats used in this study were randomly assigned into four groups of 15 each: 1/CENT each allowed free access to potable water, 2/CET2, 3/CET5, and 4/CET10 rats were each administered 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg b.w dose of C. citratus, respectively. At two-weeks intervals, the rats were examined for signs and lesions, serum samples were collected on days 0, 14 and 28 post-treatment and assayed for testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. On days 14 and 28 post treatment, gross and microscopic lesions were not observed in the testis of groups 2/CET2 and 3/CET5. Grossly, the testis of group 4/CET10 appeared reduced in size, with translucency of the visceral and parietal coats of the tunica vaginalis, while the histopathologic changes were degeneration of spermatogenic cells and fibrinous exudates expanding the intertubular spaces. Groups 2/CET2 and 3/CET5 testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of 4/CET10. These findings suggest that degeneration of spermatogenic cells and fibrinous exudates expanding the intertubular spaces, and decreased reproductive hormone levels are diagnostic features of C. citratus toxicity in male albino rats.