Effects of Kolaviron, the Major Constituent of Garcinia kola, on the Histology of the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Testes Using Adult Male Wistar Rats as a Model Organism

Abstract

This study determined the effects of kolaviron on the histology of organs of the hypothalamic-pi- tuitary-gonadal axis, mainly the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis. The aim was to ascertain if its consumption has deleterious effects on these organs. Thirty six adult Wistar rats divided into six groups of six animals each were used and kolaviron administered at 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. The results showed that gross cellular depletion and desquamation of cells of testis significantly reduced number of cells in the hypothalamus and pituitary (P < 0.05). It significantly reduced the relative brain weight (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that kolaviron can alter the histology of the axis which may impair its reproductive function.