The Effects of Green Tea on the Body Weight and Histoarchitecture of the Testis of Adult Male Sprague dawley Rats

Alabi AS; Arokoyo R; Oyewopo AO; Lewu FS; Kareem SB; Aigbogun EO

doi:10.5530/ijcep.2018.5.3.8

Alabi AS Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, NIGERIA.
Arokoyo R Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, NIGERIA.
Oyewopo AO Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, NIGERIA.
Lewu FS Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, NIGERIA.
Kareem SB Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, NIGERIA.
Aigbogun EO Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5530/ijcep.2018.5.3.8

Keywords: Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Body weight, Histoarchitecture, Sprague dawley rats, Testis

Abstract

Background and Aim: Green tea is an aromatic beverage derived from the cured leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is a potent herb which serves various therapeutic purposes. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the administration of various concentration of green tea extract (GTE) on the histoarchitecture of the testis of Sprague dawley adult male rat. Methods: 20 animals were divided into four groups, comprising of 5 animals each. The control group was given distilled water while the treated groups were given 2ml/kg, 4ml/kg and 6ml/kg of aqueous extract of green tea respectively for 26 days. At the end of the administration on the 27th day, in accordance with IACUC regulation, the animals were euthanized following the administration of AGTE after which they were dissected and the testes were excised for tissue processing. Results: There was a progressive decrease in weight of the treated animals corresponding to the increase in the concentration of green tea. The histological analysis showed that the GTE at 2ml/kg did not disrupt the histoarchitecture of the testicular tissue; however, there was mild to moderate degeneration at 4ml/kg and 6ml/kg respectively and this histoarchitectural distortions of the testis by of GTE may take a direct or indirect path; thus, may induce testicular dysfunction. The Feulgen stain intensity was more in the control and group 1, when compared to group 2 and 3, which is a pointer to DNA material loss in testicular tissues at higher doses. Conclusion: Lower dose of GTE may seem beneficial; however higher doses pose more harm in a short period, when compared to the benefit of the lower dose on the body and testicular tissue. However, there is the need for further investigation on the role and mechanism of action of GTE on testicular cellular and tissue dysfunction and consequence on reproduction.