Effects of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn (Malvaceae) Stem-bark Aqueous Extract on Immature Wistar Rats Epididymis and Seminal Vesicles Development

Abstract

Background: The epididymis and seminal vesicles play key roles in male fertility. The development of these organs requires the action of male sex hormones, specifically testosterone. Therefore, these organs can be used to assess androgenic and antiandrogenic activities in Wistar rats. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of the stem-bark aqueous extract on the development of the seminal vesicles and epididymis, two key organs of the male Wistar rat reproductive system. Subsequently, androgenic and antiandrogenic activities were assessed. Materials and Methods: The androgenic and antiandrogenic activities were assessed using the 10-day OECD Hershberger bioassay. Fifty (50) immature Wistar rats aged 21 to 23 days (weighing 20 ± 2 g) were divided into ten groups of five rats each. The neutral control group was treated with distilled water, whereas the positive control group was treated with testosterone propionate (700 µg/kg body weight). Flutamide (1 mg/kg body weight), in the presence of testosterone propionate (700 µg/kg body weight), was used as the reference antiandrogenic drug. The extract was administered alone (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) or co-administered with testosterone propionate. At the end of treatment, the animals were euthanised by cervical dislocation. The reproductive organs were dissected and weighed. Results: The extract significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) the effect of testosterone propionate on the epididymis of Wistar rats. Moreover, the extract did not induce an effect on this organ compared with the control groups, except at the dose of 200 mg/kg, which inhibited its growth. Similarly, a high dose of the extract significantly inhibited the effect of testosterone propionate on the seminal vesicles compared with the positive control group. Conclusion: The extract exhibited antiandrogenic activity in the epididymis and seminal vesicles of Wistar rats and could be used in the management of androgen-dependent diseases, but it should be prohibited for the treatment of childhood diseases.