Abstract:
Background: Polyscias fruticosa is used widely as food, remedy for diseases, and as an
ornamental across Afro-Asian countries. For instance, P. fruticosa is used traditionally
as an anti-asthma, anti-tussive, and a muco-suppressant herbal remedy for asthmatics
in Ghana. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological basis of the
ethnobotanical uses of P. fruticosa, however, its effect on the reproductive system
remains completely unknown.
Aim of study: This study assessed effects of P. fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on male fertility
and toxicity in adult male Wistar rats.
Materials and methods: After crude preparation of PFE, it was subjected to qualitative
phytochemical, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry
analyses. The effect of PFE was assessed on male fertility and toxicity by using healthy
adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to normal saline (5 ml/kg po, n = 5),
Clomiphene Citrate (CL; 50 mg/kg po; n = 5), and PFE (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg po; n =
5, respectively) groups and treated for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed and male
fertility parameters (left testis weight, relative testis weight, caudal epididymal weight,
caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and assessment of
male sex hormones and testicular histology) were assessed.
Results: There were no significant changes in bodyweight, weight of left testis, weights
of right and left caudal epididymides between treatment groups (PFE and CL) and con-
trol. Caudal epididymal sperm count increased in PFE (100 and 500 mg/kg)-treated rats
relative to control. Sperm motility relatively increased in PFE-treated rats compared to
control. Sperm abnormality decreased in PFE-treated rats, especially in PFE (100 mg/kg)
group compared to control. Serum testosterone levels decreased inversely with serum
luteinizing hormone levels in PFE-treated rats compared to control. There were mini-
mal-to-no-alterations in histological sections of testis, except vacuolations at primary
spermatocyte stage. Glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, sterols, and alkaloids
were detected in PFE.
Conclusion: PFE improved caudal epididymal sperm count and may be useful as male
fertility enhancer but exhaustive safety studies on key male sex organs needs to be
established.
