Deleterious effect of short-term gavage of an ethanol extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) roots on testis and epididymal sperm quality

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) (CGG) is a herbal medicine that could be developed into a male antifertility agent. The present study aims to determine the effect of an ethanol extract of CGG roots on mice testicular activity, reproductive hormone levels, and epididymal sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as completely randomized with three different doses, such as an ethanol extract of CGG roots at 0 (control), 90, and 115 mg/kg body weight. In total, 21 male DDY mice strain were treated with the CGG extract (by gavage) for 14 days, followed by an evaluation of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm quality, testis histology, histomorphometry, and reproductive hormone assays. All quantitative data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at α=0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the administration of the CGG root ethanol extract disrupted the testis interstitial area and seminiferous tubules, resulting in decreased epididymal sperm quality as well as serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent pattern. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of a CGG root ethanol extract induced testicular damage, decreased epididymal sperm quality, and impaired testosterone secretion.