Phytochemical Composition of Extracts from Acacia nilotica Pods and Albizia lebbeck Stem Bark and Their Effect on Morphologies of Rat Spermatozoa

Abstract

The study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of crude extracts from Acacia nilotica pods and Albizia lebbeck stem bark and tested the potential effects of their extracts on M. natalensis spermatozoa morphologies. A portion of the grounded materials from each plant was extracted in distilled water and 70% methanol. The aqueous and methanolic plant extracts were assessed for the phytochemicals with antifertility potentials. Also, a total of 90 male rats were randomized into 9 groups (n = 10) and treated with either A. lebbeck or A. nilotica methanolic extracts for 15, 30, or 60 days. Results indicated that in both plants flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols were present in the aqueous and methanolic extracts. Judged by the intensity of colour change after a chemical reaction, saponin was more intensely present in both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the A. lebbeck stem barks while flavonoids and tannins were relatively more present in the A. nilotica sourced corresponding extracts. Spermatozoa with normal head-abnormal tail, normal head-tailless, abnormal head-normal tail, and both head and tail distortion were more revealed in rats treated with either A. nilotica or A. lebbeck extracts relative to the control. In conclusion, the studied A. nilotica and A. lebbeck extracts are rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols that possess some antifertility properties as reflected on the observed adverse effects on rat spermatozoa morphologies.