Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effects of the concomitant administration of kolaviron (Garcinia kola extract) with lead on male fertility by evaluating some spermogram and histopathology of the testis. 20 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The rats in group O (negative control) were given normal saline, while rats in group A were given 6 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate (positive control) for a period of 2 weeks. Rats in groups B and C (test groups) were given 6 mg/kg body weight of lead and with concomitant administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of the kolaviron extract once daily for a period of 7 and 14 days, respectively. The histopathological analysis revealed distorted morphological alterations of sperm cells, as well as deleterious effects on the seminiferous tubules, with degeneration of interstitial spaces and narrowing of lumen in the lead exposed groups compared to normal architecture in control group. Sperm cell motility was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in animals exposed to lead and kolaviron extract compared to the control group. The kolaviron extract does not prevent further damage of the testes for the period of two weeks. It rather showed worsening effects when compared with Group A which received lead only for 2 weeks. These are indications of interference with maturation stage of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. We concluded that extract (kolaviron) of G. kola do not prevent the toxic effect of Pb on the seminiferous tubular cells but rather worsen the toxic effect after we 2weeks duration of administration. Herbal preparation of G. kola should therefore be used cautiously in both man and animal. The possibility of the plant as an anti-fertility drug in man without toxic agents should be carefully explored.

Key words: Kolaviron, lead acetate, wistar rats, reproductive system, toxicity, testis.