Effect of Aquilaria malaccensis leaves aqueous extract supplementation on testicular seminiferous tubules and testosterone level in adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract

Phytochemical screening was performed on A. malaccensis leaves to assess their impact on testicular seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and seminiferous epithelial height (SEH), as well as testosterone level in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. The study involved 24 male rats, divided into four groups: Control (C: 0 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n=6), Treatment 1 (T1: 1 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n=6), Treatment 2 (T2: 2 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n=6), and Treatment 3 (T3: 3 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n=6), respectively. The extract of A. malaccensis leaves was administered orally once daily for 28 days and the rats were euthanized on Day 29 to assess their reproductive function. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various compounds in A. malaccensis leaves, including tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids. No significant differences were found in STD and SEH between the Control and Treated groups. A significant increase in testosterone level was observed in the T1 group (1.18 ng/mL) when compared to the C group. Incremental dosage of A. malaccensis appeared to significantly decrease testosterone level (0.92 ng/mL). No correlation was observed between the testicular seminiferous tubules and testosterone level. In conclusion, doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg of A. malaccensis did not appear to affect the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Specifically, 1 g/kg of A. malaccensis demonstrated potential benefits for male reproduction by elevating testosterone levels, whereas 2 and 3 g/kg exhibited potential harm by decreasing testosterone levels in male rats