Effect of an ethanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida ((Stapf) Th. & H. Durand) on reproductive abilities and developmental indices in rodents -

Abstract

Objective: Picralima nitida is widely used in the traditional management of several ailments. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effect of an ethanolic seed extract of P.nitida on reproductive abilities and developmental indices and to establish its safety for use. Methods: Secondary metabolite screening, and safety assessment to estimate the NOAEL, and LD50 of P.nitida were conducted. Mating, estrous, fertility, live birth, and weaning indices, and the gestation period in female rodents pretreated with P.nitida (10-1000 mg/kg) for 14 days were determined. In males the number of attempted mounts, sniffing, licking, genital and non-genital grooming, and hesitation time to female, in reproductive orientation (mating) behavior studies were determined with P.nitida treatments. Spermatocyte count and quality (morphology, motility and viability) as well as histopathological study of the seminiferous tubules were also performed. Results: P.nitida, which had alkaloids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, anthraquinones and terpenoids, present a NOAEL 2000 mg/kg. Treatment with P.nitida in females significantly reduced fertility index (40%), caused dose-dependent reduction in litter size and increased estrous index. Mating index, gestation period, live birth index and weaning index were not affected. In males, there was a significant increase P.nitida-induced sniffing, licking, genital and non-genital grooming and attempted mounts with acute (but not prolonged) treatment. Treatment also significantly reduced the hesitation time of males for attraction towards females and sperm count. Spermatocyte morphology, motility and viability was not affected. Histopathological studies indicated progressive degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules with increasing P.nitida doses. Conclusion: Picralima nitida enhances sexual behaviors in both males and females. However, chronic administration reduces fertility in females and sperm count in males; at relatively lower doses the extract is safe to use.