Infertility affects an estimated 8 to 12% of the global population, with men being the sole or contributing factor in approximately half of these cases. The exploration of indigenous plants for male fertility regulation has been a significant area of research, particularly in Africa. Mondia whitei, commonly known as Mukombero, is one such plant widely used across the continent for treating sexual dysfunction. Despite its popularity, empirical data on its therapeutic value remain sparse and often contradictory. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Mondia whitei aqueous extract on reproductive hormone levels, sperm characteristics, and gonadal histological changes in male Wister albino rats following oral administration. Mukombero (or White’s ginger, Mondia whitei, in the family Apocynaceae) is a perennial, woody, rather vigorous climber with aromatic roots. It occurs in moist forests, such as the Kakamega tropical rainforest of Western Kenya, and in swamp forest, riverine forest, wooded savannah, and forest margins, at elevations up to 1,800 meters. It is easily cultivated from seed. The seeds are collected as the fruit starts to split open. They are sown at the onset of the rainy season, and harvest takes place between April and September. A sharp knife, panga (machete), and hoe are the tools used to harvest the roots. The leaves are 10-30 centimeters wide and ovate with a cordate base. The petioles and veins are often reddish. The roots are pale yellow or brown on the outside and white or pale yellow inside. They have a bitter flavor that recalls ginger and licorice, and a vanilla-like aroma. The flowers, which have an unpleasant odor, have five pale yellow to reddish-purple petals. The fruit (which is almost woody and contains many seeds) is a pair of large, pale green, cucumber-shaped follicles. The leaves and flowers mainly appear in the canopy of the supporting vegetation and are thus rarely noticed.
Among the Luhya people, the fresh or dried leaves are cooked and eaten as vegetables. Dried and powdered, the leaves are used as condiment. The roots, which have a pasty consistency, are used either dried or fresh to flavor food (such as meat stews) and tea. The root bark is eaten raw as a snack or to freshen the mouth. The flavor is initially bitter and spicy but becomes sweet after chewing. For many years, communities living adjacent to Kakamega Forest have been using the root bark of mukombero in different ways, ranging from chewing the raw roots to mixing root powder with porridge to increase appetite. This plant is connected to the identity of Luhya people in Kakamenga County. They used to chew the roots for good luck before performing a difficult task. Mukombero is still consumed by both young and old people. It is a symbol of peace and a sign of power. It is also appreciated for its healing properties: The leaves are used to treat hypertension, stroke, anemia, asth- ma, hangover, mastitis, and allergies, and are also taken to improve sleep, enhance urination, and ease birth pains. Men who are impotent or infertile are given mukombero as a remedy. In addition, the leaves serve as animal fodder.
Because of its wide use in African traditional medicine, mukombero has become endangered. In some areas, especially around cities and towns, it is rare in the wild due to overexploitation by the local communities for commercial purposes. Because the root is the most popular part, harvesting destroys the plant. Habitat destruction is also a threat. Efforts are underway in some places to increase the cultivation of this species in order to relieve pressure from wild populations and create a sustainable market for it.
Methodology
The study involved 36 male albino rats, each weighing between 200g and 400g. These were divided into four groups, each comprising nine rats. Group I served as the untreated control, while Groups II, III, and IV were administered 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg body weight, respectively, of Mondia whitei aqueous extract via oral gavage. At the conclusion of the experiment, the rats were humanely sacrificed using carbon dioxide narcosis. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture, and the testes and epididymis were dissected for sperm collection and histological examination.
Hormonal Analysis
Serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using an immunoanalyzer. The results revealed a progressive decrease in testosterone, FSH, and LH concentrations over time in all the treated groups compared to the control group, which remained constant. Notably, there was a temporary rise in testosterone levels within the first 10 days in the group receiving the lowest dose (100mg/kg). The statistical analysis, performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, indicated that these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Sperm Characteristics
Sperm count, motility, vitality, and morphology were assessed microscopically using a Neubauer chamber. The results showed a progressive decline in sperm count, motility, and vitality in the treated groups, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. The Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed that these differences were statistically significant within and between the groups, except for motility and vitality.
Testicular Histology
Histological examination of the gonadal tissue from the treated groups revealed several significant changes. There was a noticeable reduction in Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules and a thinning of the germinal epithelium. The study also observed degeneration of Leydig cells within the interstitium and clumping of spermatozoa in the epididymis, correlating with an increase in the extract concentration and the duration of exposure.
Conclusion
This study concludes that Mondia whitei may offer some benefits at low doses and for short durations. However, prolonged use and higher doses may lead to adverse effects on male fertility. The findings suggest that Mondia whitei could be cytotoxic and might induce conditions such as hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and potential therapeutic applications of Mondia whitei in male reproductive health.
