Evaluation of Spermatotoxic Effect of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Leaf Extract on Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim: The study examined the effect of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf extract on the sperm toxicity and weight of testes and epididymes in male albino rat models. Methodology: This study was carried out in the Animal house of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar and lasted for 65 days. Twenty four male rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each using a completely randomized design. Group A served as control and received only water and pellet feed while group B, C and D received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas leaf, respectively. Results: Results obtained revealed a significant (P= .05) decrease in the weight of epididymes, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm count while sperm head abnormalities significantly increased in the extract – treated animals. No significant differences were observed in semen pH and weight of testes. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that aqueous extract of I. batatas leaf has spermatotoxic effect on the male albino rats in a dose – dependent manner.