The Effects of Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of <i>Khaya senegalensis</i> on Fertility Parameters and Hormones on Male Wistar Rat

Background The recent increase in interest in alternative medicine calls for an investigation into the non-target organ effect. Khaya senegalensis is one of such popular plants used to manage malaria in low-income countries. This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis (KSE) on the testes (non-target organ) and its related serum hormones. Methods Grouped mature male rats (n = 4) were treated with 100–1000 mg/kg KSE or distilled water for twenty-eight days. Serum hormones were taken immediately after cervical dislocation, prepared appropriately, and assayed for Testosterone, Luteinizing, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. The hormones levels were determined using ELISA kits The right testis and epididymis from treated animals were harvested and prepared for histological studies. Results The result indicated a significant increase ( p = 0.045, 0.038) in the epididymis and serum LH in the 1000 mg/kg KSE, but caused no significant increase in serum FSH and Testosterone ( p &gt; 0.05), in any of the treatment groups. Histological sections of the testes showed mild to moderate degeneration of the spermatogonia and hyalinization (1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) of the seminiferous tubules with reduced spermatogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Khaya senegalensis could have an adverse effect on the morphology of the testis in a dose-dependent manner.