The leaf-aqueous extract of Pseudopanax arboreus(Pa)(Araliaceae) (L.F.Phillipson)repairs some reproductive indices impaired by Amitriptyline in male rats

Abstract

Antidepressants have been associated with toxicity of the male reproductive system, altering testicular architecture, affecting hormonal profile and sperm characteristics, especially when administered for a long duration. Earlier, we reported the sex-enhancing potentials of Pseudpanax arboreus in normal male rats and its potentials to correct sexual deficiencies induced by amitriptyline in male rats. We undertook the present investigation to determine the curative properties of the leaf-aqueous extract of P. arboreus (Pa) on some indices of amitriptyline-induced male sexual impairments in rats. Sexually mature Albino male rats pre-exposed to10 mg/kg body weight of amitriptyline hydrochloride suspension for 56 days then allowed to self-recover for 11.5 days, were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each and treated as follow: Group 1, pre-treated with amitriptyline, was allowed time for self-healing; Group 2 received 10ml/kg distilled water and served as negative control; Group 3 received 6mg/kg sildenafil citrateTM (Viagra) (positive control); while Groups 4 and 5 were administered 75 and 150mg/kg of the aqueous extract of P. arboreus, respectively. All extract-treated animals showed significant increase in relative weight of some sex and accessory organs, increased sperm motility and concentration as well as increased plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone compared to the negative control animals. Also, the extract induced a significant improvement in the histo-architecture of the testes in sexually impaired animals, compared to the control group. In conclusion, the leaf-aqueous extract of Pseudopanax arboreus possesses curative properties on some male reproductive indices induced by amitriptyline.