Histomorphological and Biochemical Evaluation of the Effect of Hydroethanolic Extract of Datura metel Seed on the Testes and Ovaries of Male and Female Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Datura metel seed extracts on reproductive parameters of albino rats.

Study Design: Twenty-five albino rats were divided into 5 groups with 5 animals in each. Group 1 served as negative control, group 2 served as the positive control receiving 100mg/kg of Lead acetate. Groups 3-5 received 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of Datura metel seed extracts respectively.

Place and Duration: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Department of Pharmacology, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between May 2023 and July 2023.

Methodology: Histological analysis of the Ovaries and Testes of the albino rats was done using Haematoxylin and Eosin Staining method while antioxidant and hormone analysis were evaluated using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Results: The parameters were assayed using standard methods of analysis. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. Results were expressed as mean ± SD and p- values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results revealed the reduced levels of SOD, CAT, GST and increased MDA levels when compared to the negative control groups. Group 2 gave an SOD mean value of 5.49±0.45, CAT of 2.32±0.30, MDA of 28.01±0.46 and GST of 1.91±0.12. Group 3 gave an SOD mean value of 7.51±0.72, CAT of 5.41±0.43, MDA of 22.97±0.27 and GST of 1.98±0.26. Group 4 gave an SOD mean value of 7.82±0.29, CAT of 5.92±0.28, MDA, 22.15±0.22 and GST, 1.96±0.14 while Group 5 gave an SOD of 6.40±0.39, CAT 4.98±0.21, MDA 24.47±0.28, and GST of 1.96±0.99. The outcome of this study indicates toxic effect of seed extract on the parameters. There was also a statistically significant reduction in LH, FSH, testosterone, E2 with evident alterations in the histomorphology of the ovary and testes.

Conclusion: this study showed scientific evidence of the toxic effect of Datura metel seed extract on reproductive parameters.