Effects of aqueous extracts of Hibiscus macranthus and Basella alba in mature rat testis function

Mature male albino Wistar rats (180-220 g) were given by gastric intubation Hibiscus macranthus Hochst A ex Rich (Malvaceae) and Basella alba L. (Base llaceae) aqueous extract from both fresh and dry leaves, at a dose equivale nt to 0.720 or 0.108 g of plant, respectively per kg body weight. This was to evaluate their effects on male reproductive function. Control groups wer e treated equally, but given water instead of the extract. After the treatm ent periods, animals were killed, their blood collected, the testes and som e annex glands removed for histological and biochemical analysis. Results s howed that the extract from fresh leaves significantly increased the body w eight of rats by 17% from day 7 as compared to controls, whereas the increa se was less pronounced (4%) when the rats were given dry leaf extract. The weight of seminal vesicles of rats given the extracts also increased after 15 days. The histological analysis of testis showed abundant spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubulus from day 7 in rats fed with the extr act when compared to the controls. The serum level of testosterone was sign ificantly increased on the 15th day by 80% in rats given both types of extr acts compared to the controls. Testis of treated rats showed high testoster one production in vitro (136 and 62%, respectively for treated and control after 15 days, compared to those of 3 days). Activity of prostatic acid pho sphatase was high in prostate, testis and serum of treated rats in all expe rimental period. From these findings and observation, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of H. macranthus and B. alba had anabolizing and viril izing effects. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.