ObjectiveThis study investigated the expression of Kiss1 gene on the testis and the
blood of Wistar rats, following the administration of methanolic extract ofHibiscus Sabdariffa(MEHS).MethodsFifteen (15) rats with an average weight of 204g were randomly divided into
three (3) groups (A-C). Group A was given no treatment and served as the
normal control group. Groups B and C were orally administered 200mg/kg and
400mg/kg of MEHS, respectively. The extract was administered once a day for
21 days.ResultsThere was a significant increase in the relative testicular weight in group B
and C compared to the control group (p=0.035). There was no
significant difference in the sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, and
antioxidant levels in all the treatment groups when compared to the control
group (p>0.05). There is a significantly lower
expression intensity of the Kiss1 gene in the blood in groups B
(p=0.000) and C (p=0.017), compared to
the control group. There is no difference in the relative intensity of Kiss1
gene expression in the testis of all the experimental groups
(p=0.173).ConclusionsMEHS caused no histopathological changes on the testis at both doses. MEHS
shows the potential of downregulating the expression of the Kiss1 gene in
the blood. However, this effect lacks a regulatory mechanism on the
reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular morphology, and
antioxidative levels.