Anthony B. Ojekale^1,, Oladipupo A. Lawal², Peter I. Jewo³, Jamiu. A. Oguntola¹, Latifat O. Abdul¹

Background: There is a global observed decline in male fertility over the years consequent on various factors affecting spermatogenesis. Some Nigerian males across various geographic and socio-economic strata employ the use of herbals such as Cissus populnea extracts amongst others to manage this and also as herbal aphrodisiacs. This study assessed the spermatogenic effects of aqueous extract of Cissus populnea stem bark. Methodology: Cissus populnea stem bark was extracted with water, concentrated and lyophilized. Male wistar rats were orally administered with 150 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract (Cissus populnea) over a 64 day period. Sperm of the experimental animals was collected, and the parameters (count, motility, morphology) analysed. Data were analysed with SPSS 19. Principal findings: The oral administration of C. populnea extract over a 64 day period to male wistar rats resulted in a four-fold increase in sperm count in the test rats (145±55) compared with the control group (44±17). Testicular histology shows better packed spermatozoa in group of rats treated with Cissus populnea. Conclusion/significance: The findings suggest that oral administration of Cissus populnea aqueous extract improves spermatogenesis in male wistar rats.

Cissus populnea, Vitaceae, aqueous extract, spermatogenesis, wistar albino rats, male fertility