Effects of Hot Aqueous Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Leaves (Ugu) on Testosterone Levels in Adult Male Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus)

Abstract

Testosterone influences various aspects of reproductive health and overall well-being. Herbal extracts are reputed for their potential effects on testosterone levels. This study investigated the testosterone-modulating potentials of hot aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu), in adult male Wistar rats. Ten adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-150g were assigned to two groups (control and Telfairia occidentalis group) numbering 5 rats per group. Each group received daily oral administration of 100 mg/Kg of hot aqueous extracts based on their treatment assignment for two weeks. The rats were sacrificed; blood and testes were collected after the trial for testosterone and histological analyses. t-Test was used to compare the levels of testosterone in both groups (control and ugu treated) with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results showed that there was no significant difference (p=0.19) in testosterone levels between the control group (0.85 ng/ml) and the Ugu treated group (1.14 ng/ml). Histologically, Ugu leave extract showed sparse germinal epithelium with sparse spermatogonia and moderate spermatozoa. This study has demonstrated that at 100mg/Kg hot aqueous extract of Ugu leaves had no effect on testosterone levels but rather had declining testicular histology.