Gonadal Histo-morphology and Enhanced Fertility Potential of Curcuma longa in Male STZ-induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body fails to produce enough or respond normally to insulin, leading to abnormally high blood sugar levels. The study was aimed at investigating the effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (Tumeric) on fertility profile and gonadal histo-morphology of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic male Wistar rats. Semen parameters (count, motility and viability) and testicular histology of streptozotocin “STZ”-induced hyperglycemic male Wistar rats were investigated following the administration of Curcuma longa rhizome extract. Twenty-four (24) rats weighing 110-180g were grouped into four. The groups were labelled A to D and contained six rats each. Group A (normal control) rats were given rat pellets and distilled water only. Group B (diabetic control) rats were given 65mg/kg body weight “BW” of streptozotocin IP. Group C served as the standard group and was given 65mg/kg of streptozotocin IP + 250mg/kg of metformin IP, while Group D (test group) rats were given 65mg/kg BW of streptozotocin IP + 500mg/kg of Curcuma longa extract. Curcuma longa extract was administered through the oral route with the aid of an oro-gastric tube. The administration lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. The rats were then anaesthetized and the testes and semen obtained for histological and semen analysis (sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability) respectively. The diabetic group showed seminiferous tubules with reduced germinal epithelium and distorted interstitial connective tissue with a significant (p<0.05) reduction in sperm motility, count, viability compared to the normal group that showed normal histological features and normal sperm parameters (motility, count and viability). However, the administration of C. longa showed significant (p<0.05) increase in levels of sperm parameters (motility, count and viability) and progressive restoration of histological integrity within the testes.

In conclusion, ethanolic extract of C. longa has the potential to reverse the damage caused by hyperglycemia in male reproductive function.