Ameliorative Effects of Methanolic Exctract of the Fruit Pulp of Azanza Garkena On Dexamethasone - Induced Impaired Spermatogenesis in Male Wistar Rats

The aim of this research was to study the effects of the methanolic extract of Azanza garkeana fruit pulp (MEAGFP) on dexamethasone-induced impaired spermatogenesis in male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into six groups and administered varying doses of dexamethasone and MEAGFP. After sacrifice, blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis. The results showed that the MEAGFP contained 9.39% flavonoids and resulted in higher testosterone concentration compared to the control. Similarly, the drug and its co - exposure with the MEAGFP did not cause (p≥0.05) a significant difference in blood parameters. Also, the drug and its co-exposure to MEAGFP had no significant effect (p≥0.05) on ALT, AST, urea and creatinine levels in the group receiving the higher dose in combination with the drug. Testicular width was significantly higher in certain groups, and the drug increased testicular weight and sperm abnormalities at higher doses, although not significantly, compared to other groups. The study concluded that the drug induced some cellular changes in Wistar rats, while the combination of MEAGFP and the drug led to increased seminiferous luminal cellular layers and spermatozoa. The drug caused hepatic congestion and edema, while both concentrations of MEAGFP caused tubular necrosis and cellular infiltration. However, no visible cellular changes were observed in both dexamethasone and the two different concentrations of MEAGFP.