SAFETY PROFILE OF MUSA PARADISIACA AQUEOUS FRUIT- EXTRACT IN TESTIS OF NORMAL RAT

Abstract

Musa paradisiaca (plantain) is one of the common staple foods in East Africa. The leaves, roots, and fruits have been a revolutionary traditional remedy in the management of male sexual infertility. This study aimed at evaluating the safety profile of plantain aqueous fruit-extract in the testis of male rats. Thirty Adult Wistar albino rats weighing about 100–150 g in body weight (bw) were used in this study. They were divided into three (3) groups of 10 animals each (n=10). Groups I received water only. Groups II and III received low (200 mg/kg bw) and high (400 mg/kg bw) doses of plantain, respectively. The animals were allowed free access to rat feed and water. The extract was given once daily for 21 days via the oral route. The histomorphology of the testis was performed using Masson’s Trichrome staining technique, while the sperm profile was analyzed using a Makler counting chamber with Olympus Microscope. Plantain administration in normal rats significantly increased the body weights of the rats. Seminal analysis showed improved sperm parameters in treated rats, but rats in the highdose group presented a high level of agglutination compared to rats in the control and low -dose groups. Histological observations showed mild-to-moderate proliferation of cells in the testicular germ layer of the treated rats, indicating enhanced spermatogenesis. Testicular morphology in the group that received high dose showed mild degenerative changes in their testicular germ layer. Plantain, at moderate consumption can improve testicular activity and reproductive health in male while at a high consumption rate it may cause mild degenerative changes in the testicular germ layer.