Hormonal Assay following Administration of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina on Streptozotocin (STZ) Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

This study analyzed the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) on male reproductive hormones in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Group A was the normal control that received 0.5ml dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) only. Group B served as the diabetic control that was induced 40mg/kg b. w of STZ intraperitoneally. Group C received 5i. u/kg body weight of insulin. Group D received 400mg/kg b. w of VA and Group E served as the 30 % methanolic VA fraction (flavonoid rich fraction) group receiving 75mg/kg b. w of the extract. The animals were sacrificed using chloroform inhalation method after 28 days. Hormonal analysis showed a significant increase in the serum concentration level of testosterone in group C, D and E, respectively when compared to group B. Analysis on serum concentration level of LH and FSH showed no significant difference among and within the treated groups when compared to the group A and B. This signifies a supplementary role played by insulin, crude extract and 30 % fraction of VA on the anterior pituitary gland to increase testosterone level without a considerable increase in LH and FSH level. Methanolic leaf extract of VA and 30 % methanol VA fraction has effect on male reproductive hormones in diabetic rats and a more potent effect was exhibited by the crude extract of VA. Vernonia amygdalina may help ameliorate reproductive complications caused by diabetes in reproductive males