Effects of <i>Vernonia ambigua</i> on testicular histology, selected semen profiles and serum oxidative stress biomarkers of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infertility has become an ever-present growing reproductive concern worldwide, with male factors evading required scrutiny due to entrenched cultural beliefs, in lieu of scientific proofs. Though researchers’ contribution is palpable, there is still persistent need for more study in this area. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vernonia ambigua on testicular histology, selected semen profiles and serum oxidative stress biomarkers of Wistar rats METHODOLOGY: Twenty rats weighing 200-220g were grouped into four. Each group had five rats. Group A received feed and water. Groups B, C and D received 100mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight of Vernonia ambigua respectively for 2 weeks. On the 15th day, blood (serum) samples were collected for oxidative stress biomarkers estimation. Histology of the testis and semen parameters were examined. One way Analysis of Variance in Statistical Package for Social Science was used for data analysis with significance difference set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Mild testicular distortion was observed in group D. The levels of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in groups B, C and D showed no significant difference when compared to levels of the variables in group A. The same outcome was observed in the comparison of sperm viability, morphology and count of groups B, C and D to group A. CONCLUSION: Vernonia ambigua at lower dose, shows promising antioxidant and reproductive effects especially when sperm viability is preferred to sperm count.