Oral administration of Tridax procumbens aqueous leaf extract attenuates reproductive function impairments in L-NAME induced hypertensive male rats

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we investigated effect of Tridax procumbens aqueous leaf extract (TPALE) on reproductive function in N nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats. Methodology: Twenty healthy, adult male rats (150–190 g) were divided into four groups of five. Group 1 (control) received normal saline (0.6 ml/kg of 0.9% NaCl) orally; groups 2, 3 and 4 received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) orally to induce hypertension for a period of three weeks. Treatments were continued for another 3 weeks with groups 3 and 4 being further treated orally with 100 and 200 mg/kg of TPALE respectively. Blood pressure, body and reproductive organs weight, histology of reproductive organs, fertility success, plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) and seminal analysis were determined. Results: TPALE decreased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure in L-NAME + 100/200 mg/kg TPALE treated groups when compared to L-NAME (40 mg/kg) group. Relative prostate and seminal vesicle weight were significantly reduced in L-NAME group. Motility, viability and count were reduced in L-NAME group when compared to control and TPALE treated group. Fertility success was 100% in all groups except for L-NAME group (0%) with no significant differences in average litter size and weight. Testosterone level increased significantly in TPALE treated group. There was mild interstitial congestion of the epididymis in L-NAME treated groups; tubular diameter also appeared reduced with heightened epithelium for TPALE treated groups. No visible lesions were seen in the testis of all treated groups. Conclusion: TPALE exhibits pharmacotherapeutic and protective role on hypertension and reproductive functions in L-NAME induced hypertensive male rats.

Keywords

• Tridax procumbens
• Reproductive functions
• Hypertensive male rats
• L-NAME
• Fertility