Effect of Xylopic Acid on Sex Hormones and Spermatogenesis in Male Rats

Background: Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica has been shown to possess antimicrobial, cardiovascular, diuretic, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and spermatogenic activity. These activities are attributed to the kaurane derivatives of which Xylopic acid (XA) is a major component. It is worth stating that no study has examined the effects of XA on spermatogenesis and reproductive function. Objective: The present study was thus intended to evaluate the effect of XA on serum sex hormone levels and spermatogenesis in male rats. Methods: Xylopic acid was administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats at the doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg kg-1 for 28 days. Blood was collected into eppendorf tubes from the saphenous veins of animals on day 7 of the treatment and on day 28 after which the rats were euthanized to removed testes and other organs. Results and Discussion: Xylopic acid did not cause any changes in body weight, but significantly decrease testicular and epididymal weight (P < 0.01). Sperm motility, viability, and epididymal sperm counts of rats administered with XA for 28 days were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after two weeks of recovery. Conclusion: Xylopic acid thus possesses anti-androgenic and spermatotoxic properties the mechanism of which may involve direct effect on germ cells and other cells in the testes.