Kigelia Africana stem bark extract treatment reverses type 1 model of experimental diabetes and associated reproductive impairments in male wistar rats

Abstract EN

A key hallmark in diabetes is altered reproductive functions.

Kigelia africana is reported to offer therapeutic influence in diabetes.

However, literature offers nothing concerning its ability to reverse reproductive complications of diabetes.

This study investigates the effect of ethanolic extract of Kigelia africana (EEKA) on reproductive functions in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats.

Thirty adult male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into five groups; Group 1 (control) received distilled water (vehicle).

Group 2 was treated with 250 mg/kg EEKA.

Groups 3, 4 and 5 were made diabetic using streptozotocin.

Thereafter, groups 4 and 5 were treated with 250 mg/kg EEK and glibenclamide respectively.

Treatments were by oral gavage for six weeks.

Body weight and blood glucose, liver enzymes and proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde activity (MDA), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, and motility were assessed.

EEKA treatment significantly reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats.

Serum testosterone was significantly reduced in diabetic group.

However, treatment with EEKA significantly modulated the reduction.

EEKA treatment in diabetic rats significantly increased serum LH.

Therapeutic EEKA treatment in diabetic rats significantly reversed reduced sperm count and motility.

EEKA treatment in diabetic group reduced MDA activity while significantly enhancing SOD activity.

The significant increases in serum alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase were significantly reduced with EEKA treatment in diabetic group.

Total protein and albumin were significantly reduced in diabetic group but significantly reversed with EEKA treatment.

Therapeutic administration of EEKA reduced hyperglyceamia, enhanced sperm count, motility, and serum testosterone levels in diabetic rats.

Phytochemical constituents and robust antioxidant activity of EEKA is involved in the modulation and reversal of diabetes and impaired reproductive parameters