Abstract:

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of liquid extract of Calotropis procera (CP) on the testicular structure and functions of adult male rabbits. CP, commonly known as ‘ewe bomubomu’ in Nigeria, contains a toxic milkysap that is extremely bitter; the milky sap contains a complex mix of chemicals. This plant is most popular and commonly used among the Fulanis in Nigeria to process cheese. Methods: Twelve adult male rabbits weighing between 1–2 kg were used for this study. The rabbits were divided randomly into four Groups A–D; (n=3, in each group). Animals in Group A–C received CP as 750, 500 and 250 mg/kg body weight, respectively by oral intubation daily for 28 days, while Group D served as the control group. All animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation; the testes were excised and fixed in Bouin’s fluid for routine histological studies using haematoxylin and eosin stain. Cauda epididymidis was also excised for semen quality evaluation. Results: These results showed hormonal and testicular histomorphological alterations in CP treated animals such as abnormal shape and arrangement of seminiferous tubules, degeneration of spermatogenic and interstitial. CP also affected the testosterone concentration, cross-sectional area, germinal epithelium diameter and lumen diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: These findings show that CP caused histomorphological and hormonal alterations and thereby hampered spermatogenesis. It is therefore recommended that continuous use of CP as part of food ingredient should be discouraged and discontinued.

Keywords: