Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Holarrhena floribunda on Liver Enzymes and Histopathology of the Ovaries and testes Tissues in Wistar Rats

Aim: This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of methanolic root extract of Holarrehna floribunda on serum activities of some liver enzymes and histopathology of the ovaries and testes tissues of the rats.

Methods: Twenty- four male and female Wistar rats (150-250 g body weight) were randomly assigned into four groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (Control male) had taken normal rat chow and drinking water. Group 2 (Control female) had taken normal rat chow and drinking water, Group 3 (Male test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda extract, Group 4 (Female test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda, Group The feeding had regimens lasted for 5 weeks.

Results: The effects of administrating the extract on the serum enzymes, revealed the activity of ALT in Group 1 is 28.60±2.71U/L and Group 3 is 29.20±1.43U/L while for Groups 2 and 4 were 34.00±0.00U/L and 32.86±2.87U/L, There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in ALT between group 2 and 4 and no significant increase (p<0.05) between Group 1 and Group 3. The values of AST obtained in Group 1 is 53.00±1.87U/L and Group 3 is 33.40±2.60U/L, Group 2 and 4 were 38.00±2.50U/L and 35.43±1.91U/L. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) between Group 2 and Group 4 and a increase between Group 1and Group 3.

The histological integrity of the testes and ovary had been examined. Results revealed that for the tissues of the testes, there was no evidence of histological distortion; the oocytes and the follicles were normal. While in the extract administered group, there were large number of Leydig cells present in between the seminiferous tubules.

Conclusion: This present study exhibited that the extract has no toxic effect on the liver. The histologic results showed no disorganization and degeneration in the ovary and testes. These results can help to explain why Holarrehna floribunda might be used in improving sterility/fertility disorders of women.