Effects of the Methanolic Extract of Abeloschus Esculentus (L) Moench (Okro) Fruit oOn the Testes and Sperm Characteristics of Male Albino Wistar Rats

Objective: In this study aimed at evaluating the antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentus (okro) fruit using albino wistar rat. Methods: Fifty adult male rats weighing 200g to 300g were weighed and divided into five groups of five rats each. Group1 served as the control and were given water and normal rat chaw while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 served as the test groups and were orally administered with (250, 500, 750 and 1000)mg/kg of okro extract respectively after three weeks of acclimatization. Following six weeks of extract administration, the rats were reweighed and sacrificed. Semen was collected from their caudal epididymis for sperm analysis and their testes were weighed and processed for histological studies. Results: Results from the test groups showed a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in the testicular weight and a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the body weight of the rats when compared with the control group. There was also a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in sperm count and sperm motility with a corresponding increase in the percentage number of abnormal sperm cells The histology of the testes showed degenerating testicular tissues. From the result, we therefore conclude that consistent consumption of okro may be destructive to the testes and as such, could impair male fertility.