Evaluation of reproductive indices of chronic mild-stress depressed rats treated with Solanum aethiopicum

Abstract

Abstract

Stress in various forms leads to a range of adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Solanum aethiopicum, a local

plant rich in nutrients, is used to treat certain diseases due to its phytochemical composition The aim of this study was to

assess the effect of Solanum aethiopicum on the reproductive indices of chronic mild stress depressed rats. Twenty-five male

Wistar rats were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D, E). Group A (control) was administered distilled water only. Group B

was subjected to chronic mild stress for 28 days. Groups C and D were exposed to chronic mild stress for 28 days and

administered 400 and 800 mg/kg of Solanum aethiopicum orally. Group E received only 800mg/kg of Solanum aethiopicum

orally. An increase in sperm motility, viability and normal sperm morphology was observed for groups C, D and E while a

decrease was observed in group B. Groups C, D, and E had a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the level of cortisol and

malondialdehyde while group B had a significant increase (p < 0.05). A significant decrease (p < 0.05) of catalase was

observed in Group B while a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in Groups C, D and E. The levels of FSH decreased

in Group B but increased in Groups C and D, respectively. The levels of testosterone decreased in Group B but increased in

Group E. Degeneration of seminiferous tubules and congestion of blood vessels occurred in Group B. Group C and D,

respectively revealed mild regeneration of seminiferous tubules while normal testicular cytoarchitecture was observed in

Group E. The results of this study show that S. aethiopicum has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress

on male reproductive parameters.