Mitigating Property of Sacoglottis Gabonensis Ethanolic Extract on Spermatogenesis of Swiss Mice Following Chronic Exposure to Aspartame

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the Mitigating property of Sacoglottis gabonensis ethanolic extract on Spermatogenesis of Swiss mice following chronic exposure to Aspartame. A total of Ninety mice were assigned to five groups (A-E) of eighteen mice each. Group A was the negative control. Group B was the positive control and received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame. Group C received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic leaf extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis. Group D received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 50mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic bark extract of S.gabonensis. Group E received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract. All the groups were exposed to the treatment by oral gavage for 30, 60 and 90days. Histological examination of the section of testis of mice at the end of 30, 60, and 90 days of the experimental period revealed normal testicular epithelium with a full complement of spermatogenic elements in group A. In mice exposed to aspartame only (group B), the seminiferous epithelium was devoid of spermatogenic elements, leaving spaces in the lumen. Group C, exposed to aspartame and ethanolic extract of S. gabonensis bark showed regeneration of the seminiferous tubule. In mice exposed to aspartame and the ethanolic extract of S. gabonensis leaf (group D), degeneration of the spermatogenic cells and regeneration of interstitial cells were still observed. Group E showed the regeneration of spermatogenic cells and the elongation of spermatids. Maturing spermatozoa were found in the lumen, and Interstitial cells beginning to regenerate. It was concluded that aspartame is potentially antispermatogenic and, based on its consumption in various forms of juices, drinks, and beverages may be implicated in male secondary infertility. Conversely, S.gabonensis has the potential to ameliorate inhibition and impairment of spermatogenesis resulting from chronic exposure to toxicants.