Effects Of Crude Extracts Of Portulaca Oleracea On Male Reproductive Functions In Albino Rats

Portulaca oleraces is a shrub which is grown as a vegetable in many parts of the world. Many studies have reported the hypoxic nerve tissue protective, antiinflammatory and wound-healing effects of its extracts, but there is scanty information on its effect on reproduction. This study was designed to investigate the effect of its aqueous and methanolic extracts on reproductive parameters in male albino rats. Aqueous and methanolic extracts are designated as AEPO and MEPO respectively. AEPO and MEPO were prepared using cold maceration. The extracts at various doses (25 mg/g, 50mg/kg and 75 mg/kg) were orally administered for 50 days. Distilled water (0.5ml) served as the control. Plasma testosterone levels were assayed using Enzyme-linted I(mmunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and semen analysis was done microscopically, histology of the testes was also done. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p< 0.05. Treatment of rats with all the doses (except 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg AEPO) caused significant (p < 0.05) decrease in testosterone levels. Treatment of rats with all the doses (except 25 mg/kg AEPO) caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in % progressive sperm motility, while treatment with all the doses cause significant (p < 0.05) increase in % abnormal sperm cells. The extracts (AEPO and MEPO) also caused reductions of germinal epithelial cells. It can therefore be suggested that Portulaca oleracea has deleterious effect on the reproductive functions in male albino rats