Effect of Guava Leaf Extract on Reproductive Hormone Profile in male Wistar rats

Background: Guava plant is a common tropical plant with a long history of traditional usage for a variety of health care needs, including  reproductive/fertility need. It is particularly believed to improve erection, treat impotency and sexual dysfunctions in males. This study aims to  examine the effect of aqueous guava leaf extract on male reproductive hormone profile in Wistar rats. Methodology: Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomized into 3 experimental groups of 5 rats each and were administered water, 250mg/kg body  weight and 500mg/kg body weight of oral guava leaf extract respectively for 21 days. The rats were weighed before and at the end of treatments.  Blood samples were obtained for ELISA based hormonal analysis. Results: The aqueous leave extract of Psidium guajava significantly ((p<0.05)  increased serum FSH concentrations (122.50+10.40μ/ml and 135.50+5.44μ/ml) at dose dependent manner relative to the control value of  107.50+6.45μ/ml. Similarly, serum testosterone concentration showed significant increases at 2.93+0.07ng/ml and 4.71+0.27ng/ml in response to  treatment doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weights respectively to the control value 0.96+0.02 ng/ml. Conclusion: The administration of  varied doses of the guava leaf extracts caused a graded increase in the studied parameters of FSH, LH and testosterone (especially for testosterone  and FSH), implying that Guava leaf extract has a stimulatory effect on the male reproductive hormones and potentially boosting male fertility.&nbsp

Natural honey pre-treatment protect against immune suppression in cyclophospamide exposed wistar rats

Background: Honey is a natural compound with numerous therapeutic functions ranging from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of natural honey on cyclophosphamide induced suppression of humoral immunity in Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats with mean body weight of 125+25g were divided into 5 groups (1-5;n- 5)G.ro up 1 (control) received only saline, while groups 2-5 were treated with 30mg/kg bw of Cyclophosphamide (Cyp)in traperitoneally on days 19, 20 and 21. Groups 3-5 received 1.0g, 2.0g and 4.0g per kg bw natural honey orally for 21days in addition to the Cyp injections. Rats were weighed pre-treatment and post-treatment respectively. Blood samples were collected for measurements of hematological parameters and serum immunoglobulin G and M concentrations. Spleen were harvested, weighed and measured respectively. Results: Compared to the Control group, group 2 had significant reduction in haemoglobin concentration (10.6g/dl), lymphocytes (0.4x109/L) and total white blood cells (0.4x109/L) counts. IgG and IgM concentrations were equally reduced at 960.4 + 37.3mg/dL and 173.6+1.2mg/dL respectively. Body and spleenic weights, heamatological parameters and IgG concentrations were increased in groups 3-5 on a dose dependent manner; the highest increase been observed in group 5. IgM concentration was significantly increased in groups 3-5 relative to group 2, but in reverse dose dependent style. Conclusion: Natural honey pre-treatment with Cyp treatment improves haematological and leucocytic parameters as well as serum IgG and IgM concentrations, thereby potentially protecting tissues from the deleterious effects of short term Cyp treatment