Robert Ikechukwu Uroko - Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Chinomso Friday Aaron - Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Physical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
Mercylyn Ezinne Uche - Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Physical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
Chinedu Aguwamba - Biochemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria
Elisha Uko Ogwo - Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
Paul Chukwuemaka Nweje-Anyalowu - Biochemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria
Solomon Nnah Ijioma - Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of Aju Mbaise (EEAM) on sperm morphology, semen quality, sex hormonal levels, gonadosomatic index and testicular histology of Avodart-induced rats. Material and Methods: The study had normal control, Avodart control, EEAM control, Avodart+۵۰۰mg/kg EEAM, and Avodart +۱۰۰۰mg/kg EEAM groups. The rats were orally administered ۰.۵ mg/kg Avodart and ۱ hour later treated with EEAM for ۲۸ consecutive days. The Avodart control had milky white semen with low Ph, volume and semen consistency compared to the normal control and EEAM treated rats with creamy white semen with higher pH and semen consistency, respectively. Results: The results indicated a substantial decline in spermatozoa mass motility; spermatozoa live proportion, spermatozoa concentrations, normal spermatozoa proportions, animal live weight, paired testes weight and relative testicular weight in the Avodart control compared to the normal control. The Avodart induction caused a significant reduction in the serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels compared to the normal control. Also, there was a substantial decline in spermatogenic activity and the absence of mature spermatocytes in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules in the Avodart control relative to the normal control and EEAM control. The alterations in the sperm morphology, semen quality, sex hormonal levels and gonadosomatic index were significantly reverted to normal in the EEAM treated Avodart induced rats in a dose-dependent manner compared to the Avodart control. Conclusion: These findings showed that EEAM ameliorates Avodart toxicity and improves fertility by restoring sperm quality and sex hormonal levels to normal in rats.

Aju Mbaise, Male fertility, Sperm quality, Testicular histology, Gonadosomatic index, Sex hormones