Abstract
This study investigated the erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects of subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in rats. Acute toxicity was performed. A total of 120 male rats weighing 140 ± 14.14 g were used for the subchronic study divided into four groups. The extract was administered using the oral route daily for 91 days at the following dosages: group A, normal saline 10 ml/kg body weight, bw (control group); group B, 50 mg/kg bw of the extract; group C, 100 mg/kg bw of the extract and group D 500 mg/kg bw of the extract. The parameters assessed to determine the effect of subchronic administration of the extract were: packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HC), red blood cell counts (RBC), testicular weight (TW) and epididymal sperm reserve (ESR). The mean HC of rats in group D was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of groups B, C and that of the untreated group A between days 49 and 77 post-administration of the extract. The mean TW and ESR of group D increased significantly (p < 0.05) as from day 35 post-administration of the extract when compared to other groups and this trend of increase continued throughout the duration of the experimental period. Histological evaluation of the testes revealed increased spermatogenesis in group D when compared to other treatment groups and the control group. It was concluded that subchronic administration of the extract led to enhancement of erythropoietic and spermatogenic effects in rats.
Published Version
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