Effect of Ficus deltoidea leaves extracts on sperm quality, LDH-C4 activity and testosterone level in alloxan-induced male diabetic rats

Ficus deltoidea is believed to have a reputation for reducing the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Diabetes mellitus has been known for many decades to be often associated with infertility and sexual dysfunction in men. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the effects aqueous and ethanolic extract of Ficus deltoidea leaves have on the sperm quality, LDH-C4 activity and testosterone level of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate at dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. The concentration of fasting blood glucose was checked after two weeks to confirm the status of diabetes. The alloxan-induced diabetic rats were then orally treated with the aqueous and ethanolic extracts (800mg/kg) for four weeks. Metformin was used as a positive control in the study. The injection of alloxan monohydrate significantly decreased the sperm count, LDH-C4 activity and testosterone level by 55.7%, 48.4% and 45.8% respectively. However, oral administration of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Ficus deltoidea leaves had significantly improved the sperm count, LDH-C4 activity and testosterone concentration in diabetic rats. These treatments also significantly decreased the blood glucose levels and sperm abnormalities. We conclude that Ficus deltoidea has significant beneficial effects on the sperm count, motility, LDH-C4 enzyme and testosterone level and could be an effective treatment for maintaining healthy sperm parameters and male reproductive function in diabetic rats.