Wankeu-Nya Modeste*;
The roots of Vepris afzelii are consumed in the locality of Bafia (Cameroon) to treat male sexual dysfunctions. However, no scientific evidence has yet been reported on this practice. The present work was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac and androgenic properties of the aqueous extract of V. afzelii roots in a rat model of cyproterone acetate-induced hypogonadism. A qualitative phytochemical screening as well as an acute toxicity assessment of this extract was performed. Hypogonadism was induced by oral administration of cyproterone acetate (30 mg/kg) for 10 days in 30 adults Wistar rats. The hypogonadal rats were subdivided into 5 groups of 6 rats each receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg), testosterone (4 mg/kg/3days) and aqueous extract of V. afzelii at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. A group of 6 normal animals was used as a healthy control. These animals were treated for 14 days. Sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, histological and histomorphometric analyses of the testes were evaluated. Phytoconstituents such as saponins, flavonoids and triterpenes were revealed in the extract with an estimated LD50 of more than 2000 mg/kg. Significant alteration of all sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testosterone level and disorganization in the structure of the seminiferous tubules was observed in the hypogonadal controls. However, treatment resulted in an improvement in these parameters. These results are attributed to the aphrodisiac and androgenic properties of the different secondary metabolites detected in the aqueous extract of V. afzelii.Key words: Hypogonadism, cyproterone acetate, Vepris afzelii, testosterone, rat, histomorphometric
