Moringa oleifera Effects on Male and Female Reproductive Organ Histology and Hormonal Profile in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a plant recognised for its nutritional and therapeutic value and has traditionally been used to support health, including reproductive health. This study examined the effects of aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extract on reproductive organs, hormones, and body weight in adult Wistar rats. The study involved 30 rats (15 males and 15 females), divided into control and 100 mg/kg to 400 mg/kg body weight treatment groups for 14 days. Initial and final body weights were recorded. At the end of the experiment, the testes and ovaries were harvested, weighed, and processed for histological analysis. Female reproductive hormones, including progesterone, oestrogen, luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), were analysed using fluorescence immunoassay. Findings revealed dose-dependent effects in the female group, with the 100 mg/kg group showing increased ovarian weight, elevated progesterone levels, and reduced folliculogenesis, whereas the 300 mg/kg body weight group showed reduced ovarian weight and a significant decrease in FSH and LH. Oestrogen levels were high in the treated groups, but they were not significantly different from those of the control group. In males, testicular weights and histological architecture were not significantly different among groups, implying no negative effect on spermatogenesis. Body-weight changes were significant in both sexes. Female ovarian histology tended to show dose-dependent responses in follicular development and corpus lutea, whereas males showed normal seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic series. The results indicate that Moringa oleifera had no significant effect on male reproductive histology over two weeks; however, it selectively regulated female reproductive activity through hormonal and structural adjustments. Controlled, moderate intake may have reproductive benefits in females, and dose should be considered to prevent possible hormonal imbalances.