Male rat hormone imbalance, testicular changes and toxicity associated with aqueous leaf extract of an antimalarial plant: Phyllanthus niruri

Context: Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally known for dissolving kidney stones, is used prophylactically as an antimalarial agent. Objective: The study was undertaken to determine its effect on some male hormones and other toxicological properties due to paucity of its data despite its wide use. Material and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (100-140g) were used. Group 1 [control group (C), n=6] received water. Group 2 [low-dose test group (LD), n=6] received 50mg/kgbody weight (b.wt.) aqueous leaf extract orally. Group 3 [high-dose test group (HD), n=6] received 500mg/kgb.wt. extract for 90 days. Upon sacrifice, among other organs the testes were harvested. Blood samples drawn were used for biochemical (including progesterone, estrogen and testosterone), cytotoxicity and hematological assays. Results: C, LD and HD estrogen values were 192±25, 385±122 and 962±357pg/ml, respectively. In the same order, progesterone values were 96±24, 155±45 and 320±80pg/ml, respectively. Testosterone levels were 5210±1090, 4710±220 and 4500±580pg/ml, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the estrogen and progesterone levels (p=0.001). Degenerative changes were observed histologically. Cytotoxicity at 50% (CC50) was 10.0g/ml. Discussion and conclusion: This antimalarial plant is mildly cytotoxic with male antifertility properties.