Background Numerous uses of Waltheria indica plant such as antitrypanosomal, antibacterial and antimalarial effects have been reported. It has however been reported that most plants with antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects have adverse effect on male reproduction. Hence, we evaluated the effect of Waltheria indica root on male reproductive parameters. Methods Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5); A-D. Group A served as control group while groups B, C and D were administered with 200, 400 and 800 mg/Kg body weight of crude ethanolic extract of Waltheria indica root. After 28 days of administration, the rats were sacrificed and sperm parameters, sperm morphology, serum reproductive hormones and lipids were determined. Results There was a significant reduction in sperm count and motility as well as significant increase in percentage abnormal sperm cell (p<0.001) at the 400 and 800 mg/kg BW. The serum levels of testosterone was also significantly reduced while total cholesterol increased significantly (p<0.05) at the highest dose. Conclusion Waltheria indica root has adverse effect on male reproduction through reduction in sperm parameters and male reproductive hormones.
Keywords: Waltheria indica root; male rats Waltheria indica root; reproductive hormone; sperm parameters.