Sperm cells and reproductive hormones abnormalities associated with Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) leaf extract administration in streptozotocininduced diabetic male Wistar rats

Incidences of toxicity of some therapeutic substances on other parts of the body while producing her usefulness are not strange in the management of disease conditions.This study investigated changes in sperm indices and reproductive hormones in diabetic rats treated with aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa.Thirty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups of 6 rats per group.Group 1 (control) received 5ml/kg body weight of distilled water orally.Aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa at 130mg/ kg of body weight was administered orally to Group 2, while Group 3, the diabetic untreated group, orally received distilled water, 5ml/ kg body weight.Groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats treated respectively with 130mg/Kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa and subcutaneous administration of insulin, 0.75U/Kg body weight.Diabetes induction was by the use of streptozotocin, 65 mg/Kg body weight.Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm motility (78.33+4.60%,36.67+5.58%,and 16.67+1.05%)and sperm concentration (77.33+2.82%,46.83+2.55%and 30.92+3.27%) in control, diabetic and diabetic aqueous extract treated groups respectively.The testosterone level also decreased significantly (p<0,05) while estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Terminalia catappa leaves extract treated group.Aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa leaves may harm the male reproductive functions, as abnormal alteration occurs in sperm indices and reproductive hormones, while being used for its beneficial anti-diabetic, and antiinflammatory properties in diabetes mellitus.