Andrological Potential of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Stevia rebaudiana in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) on male Wistar rats administered alloxan. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats, comprising six normoglycemic (NC) and twenty-four (24) alloxan-induced diabetic (D) specimens. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): DC, diabetic rats receiving distilled water; DGL, diabetic rats receiving glibenclamide; DSR100, diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg bw S. rebaudiana; and DSR200, diabetic rats receiving 200 mg/kg bw S. rebaudiana. Treatment was administered daily via gavage for a duration of 15 days. At the conclusion of the treatment session, the animals were subjected to overnight fasting prior to being euthanized via cervical dislocation, following which blood was collected for serum extraction. Body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Furthermore, sperm parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were assessed. The data indicated a significant (P = .05) reduction in body weight in the DC group compared to the NC group. Significant (P = .05) enhancement in body weight was observed in DSR100 and DSR200 relative to DC. Significant (P = .05) elevations in serum FBG and MDA, accompanied by equivalent reductions in TAC, were noted in DC relative to NC. The total abnormal sperm count and percentage of sperm abnormalities were significantly (P = .05) elevated in DC compared to NC. Nonetheless, FBG, MAD, total abnormal sperm count, and percentage of sperm abnormalities exhibited significant (P = .05) reduction in the DSR100 and DSR200 groups compared to the DC group. The findings of this investigation substantiate the assertion that S. rebaudiana exhibits andrological action in rats.