Borassus aethiopum Mart. Shoot Hydroethanolic Extract as a Potential Treatment for Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviours and Reproductive Disorders in Male Rats

Introduction: Borassus aethiopum (BA) shoots are traditionally used in northern Cameroon to support male reproductive health. Previous studies have reported increased testosterone levels and gonadal indices in healthy male rats following extract administration, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aims: This study investigated whether the hydroethanolic extract of BA shoots could mitigate chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviours and reproductive dysfunction in male rats and explored potential underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups ([Formula: see text]): normal control, stress control, zinc (20 mg/kg) and BA-treated groups (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg). Chronic stress was induced using the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol for 30 days. Depression-like behaviours were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). Biochemical parameters included corticosterone, serotonin, dopamine, testosterone and luteinising hormone levels. Sexual behaviour was evaluated using receptive females, and sperm parameters (count, motility, velocity, morphology) were assessed. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD]) and histological analyses of testis and epididymis were performed. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using HPLC-MS. Results: UCMS exposure induced behavioural deficits, neuroendocrine alterations, impaired sexual performance, deterioration of sperm parameters, increased lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, and histological alterations in brain and reproductive tissues. BA treatment significantly improved behavioural outcomes, including sucrose preference and feeding latency, and was associated with restoration of monoaminergic levels. Improvements in sexual behaviour and sperm parameters were also observed. In addition, BA treatment was associated with increased testosterone and luteinising hormone levels, reduced oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant defences, and attenuation of tissue alterations. Phytochemical analysis identified several major compounds, including triterpenes (amyrin and lupeol), triterpenoid acids and the iridoid glycoside harpagide. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BA extract may alleviate stress-induced behavioural and reproductive impairments in rats, potentially through antioxidant and neuroendocrine mechanisms. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying molecular pathways, confirm safety, and evaluate translational relevance.