EVALUATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS OF CNESTIS FERRUGINEA (DE CANDOLLE) ROOT EXTRACT IN MALE RATS

Abstract

Cnestis ferruginea is a shrub used as antibacterial and antimalarial agent in Nigeria. Many antimalarial medicinal plants have reproductive effects. We evaluated the possible reproductive effects of the methanolic extract and purified fractions from the root in rats. Phytochemistry, column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the root extracts were carried out. The methanolic extract was administered orally at 500, 1000 and 2000mgkg-1bw to rats weighing 160-220g in the test groups and distilled water to those in the control group for 5, 30 and 60 days. Effects of the extract and purified fractions on male fertility were assessed by sperm function analyses, testicular weight, mating experiment and histological examination of testes. Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used to test for levels of significance. There was no lethality by the extract up to 2000mgkg-1bw. Phytochemistry revealed the presence of alkaloids. Acute and prolonged oral administration of methanolic extract caused reduction in sperm count, viability, motility, morphology, testosterone concentration and weight of testes. Each of the six chromatographic fractions (1-6) from the extract administered orally (100, 1000 and 2000µgkg-1bw for 60 days) caused significant reduction in sperm counts, motility, viability, morphology and testosterone values. The extract caused reversible degeneration of testis. However, fractions 3 and 4, which contain quinolizidine alkaloid, caused the highest reduction in fertility. There was recovery from the reproductive effects of the extract after 60 days of withdrawal. The results suggested that Cnestis ferruginea possesses reversible male antifertility effects which are due to quinolizidine alkaloid.