Antifertility Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica on Male Reproductive Organ of Wistar Rats

The effects of ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica on male reproductive organ in Wistar rats was studied. A total of twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n=8). Group 1 (control) was given rat chow and distilled water ad libitum, Group II and III received 0.5mls and 1.0mls of ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica once daily for a period of 28 days. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) and dose dependent decrease in the semen parameters (count, motility) and a non significant decrease in the percentage of sperm with normal morphology. The testicular photomicrograph also shows dose dependent degenerative changes. Therefore, the extract may have some anti fertility effects which may be further explored for a possible use as male contraceptive agent.