Evaluation of Long-term Administration of Aqueous Extract from Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. Leaves on the Reproductive System of Male Albino Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract from the leaves of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. on sperm parameters and histology of reproductive organs of male rats. This study was conducted by oral administering the rats with aqueous extracts from the leaves of P. palatiferum at the doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight for 60 days. The control group received only distilled water. The results showed the reductions in semen quality of epididymal spermatozoa such as density, motility and morphology of all treated rats. The decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter and height of prostatic epithelium was significantly observed in all treated rats (p < 0.05) while the apoptosis in prostatic epithelium cells were slightly seen in rats treated with highest dose of P. palatiferum. Nevertheless, the extract had no effect on weight and histoarchitectures of testes and seminal vesicle. It can be concluded that aqueous extract from the leaves of P. palatiferum caused an adverse effects on some male reproductive parameters. However, further study was required to obtain more conclusive result of P. palatiferum through an antifertility activity.