HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; Group B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrate and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

In an effort to enhance sexual performance, some individuals resort to using aphrodisiac substances such as sildenafil (Viagra). This study was conducted to assess the effects of sildenafil on the heart and testicular tissues of adult albino rats. A total of 18 male albino rats, each weighing between 200g and 220g, were obtained from the animal house at Anatomy Department. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B, and C), with six rats per group. Group A served as the control and received only standard feed and water. Group B rats were administered sildenafil orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in saline, daily for four consecutive weeks. Group C rats received a higher dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for the same duration, followed by an additional four-week withdrawal period without treatment. Body weights were recorded at the beginning of the experiment (week 0) and on the final day prior to sacrifice. At the end of the experimental period, all animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were processed for histological analysis. Serial tissue sections were cut at 5 µm thickness using a microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Selected tissue sections were documented through photomicrography. Results indicated that the 10 mg/kg dose of sildenafil led to a notable increase in monocyte and granulocyte counts, while red blood cell levels decreased across the treated groups. Weight measurements revealed only minor differences between the control and sildenafil-treated groups after the four-week period. Histological examination of testicular tissues from the 10 mg/kg group showed mild necrosis in cardiac muscle fibers, seminiferous tubules, and interstitial tissues. Additional findings included vascular congestion, hypertrophy of Leydig cells, and degeneration of spermatogonial cells. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms triggered by prolonged exposure to PDE5 inhibitors. Such research may guide the safer and more effective therapeutic use of aphrodisiacs, particularly when administered at lower doses and for shorter durations.