Ameliorative roles of ethanolic leaf extract of Senna fistula on destructive effects of alloxan on the rat testis

In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Senna fistula on the histopathology of the testicles of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=7); Groups A and B served as Normal control [normal saline] and diabetic control (untreated). Groups C, D, and E served as the Diabetic treated groups receiving 5mg/Kg glibenclamide, 100mg/Kg Senna fistula and 200mg/Kg Senna fistula respectively. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg Alloxan monohydrate. Treatment lasted for 28 days after which animals were sacrificed. Haematoxylin and eosin were employed for the histological examination of the testes, while tissue homogenates were assayed for testosterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. The examination of the testicles of diabetic rats revealed reduction in diameters, thickening in the wall, and degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules in addition to reduction in the number of spermatogenic cells which were ameliorated in the treated groups. Activities of testosterone, SOD and GPx were significantly increased in the treated groups when compared with the diabetic untreated group. Extract of Senna fistula ameliorates the oxidative stress-induced degenerative changes in the testis of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Key words: Diabetes, Senna fistula, histopathology, oxidative stress, testosterone