Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Irvingia Wombolu and Irvingia Gabonensis on Sperm Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Male infertility is a prevalent global concern, underscoring the need for accessible alternative treatments. Medicinal plants like Irvingia gabonensis and the less-studied Irvingia wombolu are used in traditional medicine for reproductive health, but scientific validation of their efficacy is limited. This study investigated the effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia gabonensis on sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6). Group I (control) received distilled water, while Groups II and III received Irvingia wombolu extract at 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg, respectively. Groups IV and V received Irvingia gabonensis extract at 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Sperm count, motility and morphology were analysed from the cauda epididymis. Data were expressed as mean ± SD and analysed using one-way ANOVA p < 0.05. Both extracts induced significant, dose-dependent improvements in all sperm parameters. The 400 mg/kg dose of Irvingia gabonensis produced the highest sperm count (32.44±1.73×10⁶) compared to the control (26.21± 2.12×10⁶). Morphological abnormalities (head, neck, tail, cytoplasmic) were significantly reduced in all treated groups. Motility was markedly enhanced, with the percentage of rapid progressive sperm increasing to 84.86% in the Irvingia gabonensis 400mg/kg group, compared to 52.03% in the control. Histological examination revealed normal testicular architecture across all groups. Aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia gabonensis significantly improved sperm quality in rats, supporting their traditional use and suggesting their potential as natural adjuvants for managing male infertility