Moringa oleifera INCREASES SERUM LEVEL OF TESTOSTERONE AND GONADOTROPINS IN MALE ALBINO RATS

The use of leaf extract of M. oleifera in the management of chronic disease conditions like diabetes and hypertension has been documented, however; the safety of this extract on male fertility following prolonged administration seems not to have received adequate attention. We examined the effect of subchronic administration of the leaf extract on male rat reproductive system. Alloxan-induced hyperglycermia model was used in determining the antidiabetic ED50 dose. Serum testosterone, luteinizing, follicle stimulating, thyroid stimulating, prolactin and estradiol hormones were monitored. Cauda epididymal sperm count and testicular histology were analysed at the 91st day. The ED50 was 320 mg/kg. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in testicular weight and sperm count in extract treated groups compared with control. Serum testosterone significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 4.26 ng/ml to 5.51 ng/ml in the ED50 group compared with the control that showed slight increase from 4.40 ng/ml to 4.73 ng/ml. Our findings also revealed significant (p < 0.05) elevation in serum gonadotropins and reduction in serum prolactin. Testicular photomicrograph showed increases in the numbers of sertoli and lydig cells in the extract treated groups. The leaf extract of M. oleifera was found to be safe and enhance male fertility.