HISTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ACTION BITTERS ON THE TESTES OF ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS
Santos Ehizokhale Ehebha , Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Sylvia Chineye Ogwu , Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu , Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom Pearl Ufuoma Egbowawa , Department of Environmental Toxicology and Public Health, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, NigeriaAbstract
Action Bitters, a popular herbal concoction, has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including those related to the male reproductive system. Despite its widespread use, there is a dearth of scientific evidence on its effects on the testes. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes in the testes of adult male Wistar rats following administration of Action Bitters.
Methods: Fifteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5). Group A served as the normal control, while groups B and C received 10% (0.66ml/kg) and 5% (0.33ml/kg) lethal dose 50 (Ld50) of Action Bitters, respectively. The Ld50 values were calculated based on the median lethal dose of the herbal remedy. The rats were administered the herbal remedy for a period of one month, after which they were sacrificed, and their testes collected for histological examination.
Results: Microscopic examination of the testicular tissue samples revealed no evidence of abnormal cellular changes or tissue damage. The tissue samples appeared normal, with no signs of inflammation, necrosis, or apoptosis.
Discussion: The findings of this study suggest that Action Bitters does not induce histological changes in the testes of adult male Wistar rats. These results provide new insights into the potential mechanism of action of the herbal medication on testicular function. The study highlights the importance of considering both histological and biochemical assessments when evaluating the effects of herbal remedies on reproductive health.
Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the effects of herbal remedies on the male reproductive system. The findings suggest that Action Bitters may be a safe and effective herbal remedy for treating reproductive health issues, and further research is warranted to explore its potential benefits and mechanisms of action.
Keywords
Action Bitters, testes, histology, male reproductive system
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