Modulatory Effects of Sacoglottis gabonensis Ethanolic Extract on Aspartame-Induced Reproductive Hormonal Alterations in Male Mice
Adetutu Olubunmi Obulor *
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Aruchi, Wekhe-Emenike
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Eme, Efioanwan Orlu
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the modulatory effects of Sacoglottis gabonensis ethanolic extract on aspartame-induced reproductive hormonal alterations in male mice.
Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the animal house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The experiment lasted for 90 days between January and April, 2021.
Methodology: Ninety mice were distributed into six groups (A-F) consisting of fifteen mice per group. Group A was the controlwhile group B was administered aspartame at a dosage of 50mg/kg/bw/day. C was administered 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame along with 250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic leaf extract from Sacoglottis gabonensis. D was given 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame along with 250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic bark extract from S. gabonensis. Group E was administered 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame along with 250mg/kg/bw/day of bark and leaf extract, whereas group F was given 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and 500mg/kg/bw/day of bark and leaf extract. Each group received the treatment through oral gavage for 30, 60, and 90 days. At the conclusion of each treatment phase, blood was drawn into designated plain tubes and serum was separated for hormone assays. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized for the quantitative assessment of all androgens, and the Statistical Analysis System SAS 9.4 was employed for the statistical analysis.
Result: Co-administration of Sacoglottis gabonensis with aspartame significantly (p < 0.001) elevated FSH and LH levels at 30 and 60 days compared to aspartame-only groups. After 90 days, FSH peaked in group C and was lowest in group D, while LH showed marked increases in groups B, C, and D. Testosterone, initially reduced in group B at 30 days, progressively increased with S. gabonensis treatment, reaching maximum levels (3.647 ± 0.065 µg/mL) in group D after 90 days. Progesterone and estradiol levels also increased significantly at 90 days, particularly in groups A, B, and C.
Conclusion: Long term consumption of aspartame causes hormonal imbalance by stimulating excess production of gonadal hormones while S. gabonensis extract possess a modulatory effect on steroid hormone synthesis.
Keywords: Aspartame, reproductive hormones, Sacoglottis gabonensis, spermatogenesis, sweeteners