EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA ON ALCOHOL INDUCED TESTICULAR INJURY IN MALE SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

ABSTRACT Infertility affects 17.5% of the global population, with alcohol consumption recognized as a major contributor to male reproductive dysfunction. Chronic alcohol use impairs spermatogenesis, reduces sperm motility, and alters hormonal balance, causing testicular damage. Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aridan), a medicinal plant used in African traditional medicine, has demonstrated potential in reversing these effects. This study investigates the effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera in mitigating alcohol-induced testicular damage. The study aims to evaluate the protective effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera on alcohol-induced testicular damage in Sprague-Dawley rats by examining testicular histology, semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress markers. Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups, including a control group and those administered varying doses of Tetrapleura tetraptera with alcohol. The study involved a two-month administration of alcohol (2 ml/kg, 30% v/v) and Tetrapleura tetraptera extracts. Body weights were recorded, and after the experiment, testes were harvested for histological examination. Semen quality, testicular histology, hormonal assays, and oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Alcohol significantly impaired sperm parameters, including motility, morphology, and count, while reducing testosterone levels and increasing oxidative stress markers (MDA). Rats treated with Tetrapleura tetraptera exhibited improved sperm parameters, enhanced testicular histology, and restored hormonal balance. The plant extract significantly reduced oxidative stress, demonstrated by lower MDA levels and higher antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, GSH). Tetrapleura tetraptera ameliorates alcohol-induced testicular damage, improves sperm quality, enhances antioxidant defense, and restores hormonal balance. Its use may offer a natural therapeutic approach for managing male infertility, particularly in alcohol-induced cases. Further research is warranted to explore its clinical applications.