DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.050

Pages: 268-273

The effect of Momordica charantia leaf extract was evaluated by determining blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) and testosterone (TET) levels as well as sperm quality and organ weight in male wistar rats, after 30 days of oral administration. The animals were randomly assigned into three (3) groups of six (6) rats each. Group one (1) served as control and received distilled water. Group two (2) and group three (3) received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the hydromethanol (20%:80%) extract respectively. Results obtained showed that the extract caused no significant (P<0.05) alteration in the levels of FSH and ICSH. But there was a significant decrease in plasma TET level. There were no significant effects on testicular and epidydimal weights. There was significant impairment of sperm quality evidenced by a reduction in percentages of viable sperms, sperms with normal morphology and actively motile sperm as well as sperm count. The decrease in plasma testosterone and abnormal sperm parameters may suggest the ability of the plant extract to cause a direct toxic effect on the seminiferous tubule which may damage testosterone secreting cells thereby affecting testosterone synthesis and the production of healthy sperm. This study proved that, the leaf extract of Momordica charantia caused anti fertility effects in male wistar rats.