Spermatogenic and spermatotoxic effects of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu) aqueous leaves extract in adult male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)

Telfairia occidentalis (TO), commonly called Pumpkin is a plant with numerous medicinal values. Here we investigated the effects of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous leaves extract on the testis of Adult Male Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus). Thirty-Five (35) adult male rats were grouped into seven (7) containing five (n = 5) rats in each group. Group A served as control, group B and C received 100 mg/kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis for two and four weeks respectively, group D and E received 200 mg/kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis for two and four weeks respectively, while group F and G received 300 mg/kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis for two and four weeks respectively. Serum testosterone levels, testicular histomorphometry, Semen and histological analysis were observed. A dose dependent significant (P < 0.05) decrease in testosterone levels was observed in groups F and G when compared to control. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in sperm parameters and histomorphometric analysis were observed, while histological analysis showed an massive improvement in the cytoarchitecture of the seminiferous tubule at low doses but at high doses, it distorted seminiferous tubules cytoarhitecture when compared to the control group. In conclusion, the study showed that low doses of T. occidentalis leaf extract over a period of time had spermatogenic and testiculoprotective properties while at high doses, its spermatotoxic properties were observed.