Panicum maximum leaf extract induces reproductive toxicity in adult male Wistar rats

Plant collection and extractionPanicum maximum leaves were collected from the compound of Madonna University Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.They were cut into small pieces, air-dried, ground into powder, and stored.Extraction of the powdered leaves was done by cold maceration using ethanol for 72 h.The powdered plant was repeatedly washed with fresh solvent until the extract/solution became clear.The filtrate was pooled together to obtain the ethanol extract (EE) and concentrated to a dry mass by drying at 400 C in a water bath. Experimental animalsMale rats (130-200 g) were purchased from the animal house of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Nigeria.The animals were housed in well-ventilated cages at room temperature (28-30 C).They were acclimatized for 1 week before the experiment started, during which they were fed with animal feed and given clean distilled water.The experimental animals were then weight-matched and grouped.The study was carried out under the approval of the Animal Research Ethics Committee, Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria.The experimental procedures by the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals were observed (16). Evaluation of acute toxicityThe acute toxicity of the plant extract was done using the method described by Lorke (17). Highlights What is current knowledge?The reproductive toxicity of the leaf extract was dose-dependent. What is new here?The extract decreased sperm count and sperm motility in a significant manner.