PgmNr M5006: Degenerative transformations in the Liver and Gonads of male Wister albino rats by Irvingia gabonensis(Aubery-Lecomte ex O'Rouke) Seed extract.

Authors:
H.Edim Etta 1 ; E. Victor Ikpeme 2 ; C. Chinomsos Olisaeke 1 ; E. Eneobong Eneobong 2


Institutes
1) Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; 2) University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.


Abstract:

The effect of seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis -African Bush Mango (ABM)- seeds, on the liver and gonads of male Wister albino rats (Rattus norvergicus), was investigated.  This investigation was prompted by the increasing international acceptance of the seeds of the ABM (test substance) as being an effective weight reducing herbal medication. Male Wister albino rats, were treated with 50mg/kg bw,  100mg/kg  bw and 150mg/kg bw of ABM seed extract. The extract was administered by oral intubation for fourteen (14) days, after which the organs, to be investigated were collected for histological processing. Photomicrographs of organs showed mild to severe degenerative effects on the histology of the organs investigated. The seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis had a dose-dependent effect on the organs. Some of the histopathological effects observed in the liver were, sinusoidal dilations (SD), hemorrhaging of the central vein (HCV), inflammation (I) and abnormal distribution of hepatocyte (ADH). Others were, macrosteatosis(M) and  macrovesicular fatty infilterations (MFI). In the testes, arrested spermatogenesis (AS), degenerated germinal epithelium (DGE), absent interstitial cells (AIC), hardened basal cells (HBC) and empty seminiferous tubules(EST) were some of the effects of the seed extract observed.  This indicates that seed extracts of Irvingia gabonensis could cause degenerative transfomations of both liver and testes in the male mammal at accumulated high concentrations.