Anthonio Research Publications (ARP): HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE TESTIS OF RATS TREATED WITH ALOMO BITTER

International Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research IJHPR, 2012, 1(2):33 - 39

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RESEARCH PAPER:

HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE TESTIS OF RATS TREATED WITH ALOMO

BITTER

*1 1 Salisu A.A., 1 Ihongbe J.C.,1Anyanwu R.A., 1 Uwuigbe M., 2Izekor S.

Department of 1Medical Laboratory Science, 2Physiology; Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo-Nigeria.

Corresponding author: akindayommy@gmail.com

Received: 21st April, 2012 Accepted: 8th June, 2012 Published: 31st July, 2012

ABSTRACT

Considering the increasing demand for herbal aphrodisiacs, this study investigates the effect of Alomo bitters on the histology of testis in adult rats. 36 male rats of comparable weight (151.67 ± 2.89 grams) and sizes were involved in this study. The animals were assigned into four groups; a control group (A) and three test groups (B, C and D). For 3 weeks, group A received growers mash and water, while test groups B1-B3, C1-C3 and D1-D3 representing experimental durations of 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks respectively; received growers mash and graded doses of Alomo bitters (7.5, 15, 22.5ml) daily. Histologiclly, micrographs from the test groups presented changes that included interstitial space exudates, cellular pyknosis cellular degeneration, cell population reduction, and vacuolations. These changes were dosage-duration dependent suggesting that Alomo bitters can induce testicular damage and by implication, infertility in males. Thus, there is an urgent need to regulate the consumption of Alomo bitters as well as other herbal products considered to possess aphrodisiac potentials.

Keywords: Alomo-bitters, Herbs, Male, Testis, Histology.

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INTRODUCTION

Current trends show that the inability to afford modern medical healthcare in developing countries has forced patients to seek traditional medical attentions (Watcho et al., 2007). In this regard, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that about eighty percent of the world population rely chiefly on traditional medicines (Agaie et al., 2007). Of the 119 plant derived drug listed by WHO study, 74% were discovered as a result of chemical studies to isolate the active compounds responsible for the use of original plant in traditional medicine (Farnsworth et al., 1985). In Nigeria several plants have been claimed traditionally, to have medicinal potentials for the treatment of various ailments in both man and animals (Nwude and Ibrahim, 1980; Akinniyi and Sultanbawa, 1983), although their efficacy and safety remain doubtful as only a few of these have been properly identified and documented (Mbaya et al., 2007; Nwosu et al., 2004).

On the other hand, it is a known fact that healthy sexual functioning contributes significantly to one's sense of wellbeing and quality of life (Salonia et al., 2004). While early report has revealed a high incidence of sexual problems in the general population (Alain, 1999), recent available records show male impotence (Erectile Dysfunction, ED) as the common medical condition affecting the sexual life of millions of men worldwide (Montorsi et al., 2003; Shabsigh and Anastasiadis, 2003). To achieve sexual quality, many orthodox therapeutic approaches have been employed for quite a long time (Sagraves et al., 2003). However, they present with limited efficacy, unpleasant side effects and contraindications in certain conditions (Lue et al., 2003).