Abstract: This research was carried out as a preliminary study
to determine the histological effect of a herbal tea mixture on the rat
testis. A total of 25 adult male albino rats of the Wister strain were
used, they were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Group
I served as control, while rats in groups II-IV were administered 2, 4
and 8 g kg-1 body weight of the herbal tea, respectively for
28 days. Rats in group V were administered 8 g kg-1 of the
herbal tea for 28 days and allowed to stay for 14 days post treatment
to observe for reversibility, persistence or delayed occurrence of toxic
effects. At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed
and the weights of the testes recorded, fixed and processed for routine
histological technique. Administration of the herbal tea to rats showed
a significant increase in body weights, but testicular weights were unaffected.
Histological examination of the rat`s testis revealed interstitial edema
and congestion of blood vessels in the testes of the treated rats. Withdrawal
of the herbal tea for 14 days showed a slight degree of recovery in the
rats. These findings suggests that the histological organization of the
testis can significantly be altered with continuous and increase use of
the herbal tea mixture. Further studies to determine the effect of the
tea on the morphometry, biometry and hormonal profile of the rat`s testes
following long term exposure will be useful. |