Efficacy of Zinc Sulphate on Fertility Detrimental Effects of Methanol Extract of Sphenocentrum Jollyanum Root in Male Wistar Rats

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has many traditional uses across West Africa but its adverse effects on male fertility have been reported and this posed the need for an adjuvant. Zinc is known for improving sperm health but its impact has not been studied against the effects of Sphenocentrum jollyanum. Aims: This study evaluated the efficacy of Zinc sulphate on effects of methanol extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum root (MSJR) on male fertility in Wistar rats. Study Design: Thirty six male Wistar rats weighing between 180-200g were assigned into six groups (n=6). Group A served as control, groups B and C were administered with 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg MSJR respectively, group D received 20 mg/kg Zinc sulphate, group E received 20mg/kg Zinc sulphate and 500 mg/kg MSJR and group F received 20 mg/kg Zinc sulphate and 1000 mg/kg MSJR. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria. Between January 2024 and June 2024. Methodology: All treatments were administered by oral gavage daily for 56 days and sacrificed by cervical dislocation on 57th day. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for hormonal analysis [Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone (TH)] using ELISA method. Semen samples were collected from caudal epididymis for evaluation of the sperm parameters (motility, count, morphology and viability) by light Microscope. The epididymis was fixed in Bouin’s fluid and processed for histological evaluation using Haematoxylin and Eosin and Toluidine blue stains. Data were analyzed using One way analysis of variance followed by Tukey Post-hoc test and P<0.05 was taken as accepted level of significant difference. Results: There was significant decrease in [LH (P=0.001), TH (P=0.0069), FSH (P=0.001), rapid-progressive sperm motility (P=0.0001), count (P=0.0001), morphology (P=0.0001), viability (P=0.0001) of group B and C while there was significant increase in [LH (P=0.001), TH (P=0.001), rapid-progressive sperm motility (P= 0.0474) and viability (P=0.0001)] of group D, sperm morphology of groups E (P=0.0289) and F (P=0.0027). Conclusion: This study concluded that the administration of Zinc sulphate has ameliorated MSJR-induced epididymal damages in Wistar rats.