Protective neuroendocrine and reproductive influence of Spondias mombin leaf and Curcuma longa rhizome methanolic extracts on male sex hormones and sperm parameters in alloxan-exposed Wistar rats

Background Neuroendocrinology is the branch of physiology which deals with the interaction between the nervous and the endocrine systems, it is the mechanism by which the hypothalamus maintains internal balance, thereby regulating reproductive activities. Numerous research gaps exist in this branch of physiology. The present study investigated the protective neuroendocrine and reproductive influence of Spondias mombin leaf and Curcuma longa rhizome methanolic extracts on male sex hormones and sperm parameters in alloxan-exposed Wistar rat Methodology 90 rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 10 rats each. Diabetes was induced in all rat groups except Group 1 using alloxan at a dose of 200mg/kg bw administered intraperitonially. Each rat group was subsequently treated as follows: Group 1: untreated non-diabetic. Group 2: untreated diabetic. Group 3: diabetic + low dose Spondias mombin. Group 4: diabetic + high dose Spondias mombin. Group 5: diabetic + low dose Curcuma longa. Group 6: diabetic + high dose Curcuma longa. Group 7: diabetic + combined low doses of Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa. Group 8: diabetic + combined high doses of Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa. Group 9: diabetic + glibenclamide. Results Significant reduction in the mean values of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, sperm volume, count, and viability was observed amongst group 2 (Untreated diabetic) rats following diabetes induction compared to group 1 (Untreated non-diabetic) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a deleterious effect. Treatment following single administration of graded doses of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes observed amongst groups 3 to 6 rats showed significant improvement in sperm volume, count, viability, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone relative to group 2 rats. Suggesting an ameliorative effect. Significant changes were observed in the above parameters amongst groups 7 and 8 rats co-administered graded doses of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes compared to group 2 rats (p<0.05). Indicating a possible beneficial outcome. Noteworthy, better outcomes were observed amongst groups 7 and 8 rats co-administered methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes, suggesting a potential greater potency compared to the single extract administered rats (Groups 3 -6). Notably, better results were observed in Spondias mombin administered rats than Curcuma longa rhizomes extract exposed rat groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes extracts significantly improved male sex hormones and sperm parameters. From the results obtained, co-administration of both extracts provided better ameliorative efficacies than the individual extract administration. Similarly, Spondias mombin demonstrated greater potency compared to Curcuma longa rhizomes.