Ameliorative Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina Leaves on Testicular Damage in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the ameliorative effects of ethanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves on testicular damage in alloxan-induced diabetic male wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (A–F, n = 5). Group A served as control and received only food and distilled water. Group B was induced with alloxan only. Group C received 100 mg/kg V. amygdalina extract, while Group D received the same dose for two weeks prior to alloxan induction. Groups E and F received alloxan followed by low (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of the extract, respectively, for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for testosterone assay, and testes were excised for semen analysis, morphometry, and histological evaluation. Results: Alloxan induction caused significant (p < 0.05) reductions in sperm motility and count (65.00 ± 2.88% vs. 85.00 ± 2.88% in controls) and decreased testicular weight. Treatment with V. amygdalina extract improved sperm motility and count, both in the group C and all the other treatment groups especially at 200 mg/kg. The mean body weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 146.00 ± 2.44 g before to 202.00 ± 2.00 g after extract administration. Histological sections of alloxan-only testes showed severe degeneration, spermatogenic arrest, and Sertoli cell loss, while extract-treated groups displayed partial to near-complete restoration of seminiferous tubules with active spermatogenesis and mild interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina exhibits dose-dependent protective and restorative effects on alloxan-induced testicular damage in diabetic male Wistar rats. These findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for diabetes-related testicular dysfunction and infertility.