Effects of Aqueous Extract of Glycine max on Testis and Epididymis of Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Glycine max has been a source of nutrients to humans and animals for decades. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of aqueous seed extract of Glycine max on the testes and epididymis of Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of five rats each. Group A served as control, groups B, C and D were administered 100; 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Glycine max respectively for 56 days. Thereafter, the testes and epididymis harvested, weighed and fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histopathological analysis. Semen was aspirated and analyzed for sperm motility, morphology and total count. Result from the study showed no significant difference (P<0.05) in the final body weight and testicular weight across the studied groups when compared to control. Also, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in motility in all the groups administered with the extract. However, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total sperm count in the group administered with 400mg/kg of the extract when compared to control. Histologically, the testis of rats treated with 400 mg/kg of G. max showed spermatogenic arrest. The epididymis was filled with spermatozoa in the groups administered 100 and 200mg/kg body weight of the extract showing features similar to the control group unlike group treated with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous seed extract of Glycine max. In conclusion, G. max was found to have a dose-dependent antifertility effects on the treated animals.