“Avaliação de parâmetros reprodutivos após tratamento com o extrato aquoso de Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn (buchinha) em ratos Wistar adultos”

Abstract

The medicinal plants are an accessible option to heal or ease illnesses. However, they could exhibit toxicity because of their own components, due to improper manipulation or high dosages.Among these plants, the Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn (buchinha) is popularly used for the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis symptoms, in addition to being used because of their abortive purposes. Recent studies point to alterations of male rats testicles by being submitted to the experimentation of this plant species infusion, which directly affects male fertility and, therefore, the reproduction. Although, in literature, the studies that explore this correlation are scarce. With that being said, the present article had as objective to analyze the toxicity of the L. operculata (L.) Cogn (buchinha) aqueous extract over the adult Wistar rats reproductive aspects. To achieve that, testicle histological analyzes were applied, sperm count, morphology and motility evaluation, besides the reproductive organs and body weight determination. Even though statistical differences in sperm count, daily production and sperm transit, the correlation of the L. operculata (L.) Cogn with male reproductive health requests deeper analyzes.