This study was designed to determine the effects of prolonged oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata Pers (Decne) on sperm concentration, sperm motility and testicular histology in Wistar rats. Rats were given graded doses (200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg-1) of aqueous leaf extract of L. hastata orally for 28 days. Weekly changes in sperm concentration and motility as well as testicular weight and histology were monitored. Sperm concentration, motility and testicular weights did not show significant change (p>0.05) among the groups, but a significant difference (p<0.05) exist between control group and the group that had the highest dose (800 mg/kg) of L. hastata. Histopathological studies revealed marked depletion of spermatozoa in the testes and epididymis of rats that received 800 mg/kg of L. hastata. Prolonged administration of aqueous leaf extract of L. hastata at 800 mg/kg caused a reduction in total sperm concentration, sperm motility and a reduction in testicular weight in rats.

Keywords: Fertility, Leptadenia hastata, spermiogram, rats, testis.