Diabetes mellitus causes male infertility. Quercetin, an important food crop and medicinal plant is a potent antioxidant and main pharmaco-active component in Psiduim guajava (PG) that can increase sperm variables in male diabetics. High prevalence of male infertility in diabetic subjects is a general problem in humans, pets and livestock population with regards to reproduction. This made it a necessary to investigate and compare the possible reproductive effects accompanying the hypoglycaemic effects of glibenclamide and natural quercetin [present in PG leaf extract (PGLE)] on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of PG were air dried, pulverised, macerated in ethanol, filtered and concentrated. Twenty five male rats (165-205 g) were divided into 5 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CTL (control), DNT (diabetic, 60 mg/kg STZ), DT100 & DT200 (test groups, 60 mg/kg STZ, 100 and 200 mg/kg PGLE respectively daily), DTG (glibenclamide, 60 mg/kg STZ, 5 mg/kg glibenclamide daily). Fasting blood glucose concentration was determined using a glucometer. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks, body, testicular and seminal vesicle weights were recorded. Sperm viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes and seminal vesicles were histologically evaluated. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Glucose concentration was lower in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Testes weights increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm motility increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm viability increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG. Sperm count increased in DT100, DT200 and DTG while abnormal sperm morphology decreased in DT100, DT200 and DTG, all compared to DNT. Testes showed degenerated cells in DNT, while there were no lesions in test groups. It could be concluded that PGELE has anti-hyperglycemic effect on STZ -induced diabetes mediated via its antioxidant potentials and also ameliorates consequent reproductive complications.
Key words: Psidium guajava, streptozotocin, diabetes, reproductive dysfunctions
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