Effects of the Hydromethanol Leaf Extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi on Sperm Characteristics and Haematological Indices in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Sexual and haematological abnormalities are on the increase, hence the need to identify possible ameliorative agents. The present study evaluates the effects of the hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi on sperm characteristics and haematological indices in male wistar rats. A total of 20 male wistar rats weighing between 100-250g were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each and treated as follows for 28days: Group A: Negative control: Group B, C and D received 250mg/kgbw, 500mg/kg bw and 750mg/kg bw of extract. On day 29, the rats were placed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood samples collected for the estimation of serum total white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet counts. Also, rats caudal epididymides were isolated for sperm characteristics estimation. Compared to Group A rats, significantly higher values of sperm count, active sperm, and population of normal sperm were observed amongst Groups B-D rats in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). For sperm volume and viability, significant increases were observed amongst Group D rats only compared to Group A rats (p<0.05): Suggesting a possible greater potency of the extract at 750mg/kg body weight. Population of abnormal sperm, sluggish sperm and dead sperm were significantly decreased amongst Groups B-D rats compared to Group A rats (p<0.05). Similarly, a significant and dose dependent increase in total WBC, RBC and PLT counts following graded extract doses administration were observed amongst rats in B, C and D Groups compared to Group A rats: Demonstrating a possible blood boosting potentials of the extract in male wistar rats. The extract apparently exhibits potential beneficial effects on sperm characteristics and haematopoiesis in male wistar rats.