title: The methanol-soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla (Fabaceae) stem bark endowed with estrogenic properties has adverse effects on the male reproductive system of Wistar rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of traditional medicinal plants to treat various diseases is common in Sub-Saharan African countries, including Cameroon. Millettia macrophylla, one of such plants, was previously found to exhibit estrogenic properties in female Wistar rats. However, its effects on the male reproductive system are unknown. Based on literature evidence that phytoestrogens impair male sexual behavior, we aimed at assessing the effect of the extracts of M. macrophylla stem bark on the male reproductive system of Wistar rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the effects of the dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) soluble fractions of M. macrophylla stem bark on male rat sexual behavior, as well as androgen-dependent parameters for 60 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the wiring-touch frequency, mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory frequency, penile-licking frequency, and computed indices of sexual behavior, throughout the experimental period, as well as a significant increase (p<0.001) in mount, intromission, and ejaculatory latencies as well as post-ejaculatory interval. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the androgen-dependent sexual parameters evaluated. The DCM extract did not induce significant effects on the assessed parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that long-term exposure to the estrogenic MeOH fraction of M. macrophylla stem bark negatively alters sexual behavior and spermatogenesis.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zingue
authors.forename: Chantal Beatrice Magne
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Nde
authors.forename: Dieudonné
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Njamen
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D033641:Millettia / Q000737:chemistry*; D024301:Plant Bark; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000432:Methanol