EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF AFRICAN MISTLETOES (Loranthus micranthus) ON MALE SEXUAL FUNCTION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTER RATS

Background: The leaves of African mistletoes (Loranthus micranthus) have been shown in traditional African setting to improve sexual function in diabetic males but data on scientific proofs of this therapeutic action of these leaves is scanty hence this study. In this study, the effect of methanolic extract prepared from the leaves of L. micranthus on serum testosterone levels, sperm count and motility in diabetic male wistar rats was studied.

Method: The animals were randomly divided into four (4) groups made up of six (6) rats each and diabetes was induced in the rats by the administration of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) for 7 days. Group A served as the control (untreated diabetes), groups B and C were treated with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg respectively of the extract while group D received the 100 mg/kg of the standard antidiabetic drug (chlorpropamide). The duration of substance administration was fourteen days. On the fifteenth day, all the animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether and their blood collected for testosterone analysis. The rats were further dissected and the caudal epididymis of each incised and seminal fluid collected for sperm count and motility tests.

Results: Table 1 showed diabetes to decrease male sexual functions (group A) when compared with standard reference value. Also, significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of serum testosterone, sperm count and sperm motility which was dose depended was showed with the extract administration (groups B and C) compared with control (group A). Chlorpropamide treated rats (group D) also showed a significantly increased male sexual function compared with the control, however, mistletoe was more potent.

Conclusion: From the findings of this study, we suggest that leaf extract of African mistletoes be studied in detail so as to know its therapeutic dose for it possible use as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of male infertility secondary to testosterone/sperm abnormalities.