TOXICITY AND MODULATING EFFECT OF OLAX SUBSCORPIODEA OLIV. AQUEOUS ROOT EXTRACT ON CLONIDINE-INDUCED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Authors

  • Omoniwa B.P. Ethnopharmacology, Reproductive Biochemistry and Biochemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos,
  • Okpatu G.C. 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos,
  • Benjamin E.K. Ethnopharmacology, Reproductive Biochemistry and Biochemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos,
  • Okpanachi J.O. Ethnopharmacology, Reproductive Biochemistry and Biochemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos,
  • Ayodele C.S. Ethnopharmacology, Reproductive Biochemistry and Biochemical Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos,

Abstract

This study examined the effects of aqueous root extract of O. subscorpioidea Oliv. (AREOS) on liver function, male sexual hormones and nitric oxide in normal and clonidine-treated Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into six groups to assess sexual function parameters, including a control group, a clonidine hydrochloride-only group, and groups receiving clonidine plus Adam’s desire or varying doses of AREOS (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg body weight). After seven days of treatment, blood and testicular samples were analyzed for testosterone (TT), serum testosterone (ST), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and nitric oxide (NO).  Toxicity study was also conducted on 20 male rats treated with different doses of AREOS to analyze liver enzymes and serum proteins. Phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and amino acids. Clonidine treatment increased TT, ST, and DHT but decreased LH and FSH. AREOS reduced TT, ST, DHT, and NO levels but increased LH, compared to the clonidine only-treated group. AREOS had no significant effects on liver function markers but significantly lowered serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Overall, AREOS was not hepatotoxic and showed potential to normalize hormone imbalances, supporting its traditional use in treating male sexual dysfunctions.

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Published

2025-01-05

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 4 (2024)

Section

ARTICLES

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