The Effects of Methanolic Extract of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove bud) on the Histology of Testis in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud) is a highly recognized spice all over the world for its medicinal and culinary qualities. This experimental study evaluates the effect of a methanolic extract of this Syzygium aromaticum on the histology of the testis and sperm parameters of adult male wistar rats in varying doses. Sixteen adult male wistar rats of close weight range were assigned into four groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of four animals each. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml of the extract respectively while the Group 1 served as the control group within an experimental period of twenty-one days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed for the tissue harvesting and proper investigation. The sperm parameters evaluation revealed that the mean sperm count of the control group is lower than those of the other groups while the level of sperm count and sperm viability of treated animals increased in a dose dependent fashion. The histological findings revealed tissues of Group 4 had shrinkage, fibrosis and degeneration of the testicular tissues when compared to other groups. This study thereby suggests that moderate intake of Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud) could influence the sperm count by increasing it and yet preserve the testicular tissues but excessive intake of it could cause damages to the testicular tissues and so it should be advised against before it could result to infertility.

Keywords: Clove bud, Methanolic, Syzygium aromaticum, Testis, Wistar rats.