Estrogenic and Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco) on the Micro-Anatomical Architecture of the Testis in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Nicotiana tabacum on the testicular function and micro-architectural integrity in male Albino Wistar rats in relation to the serum concentrations of estradiol, cholesterol, testis and body weights.
Study Design: The experiment was carried out on Albino Wistar Rats.
Methodology: A total of 18 male Albino Wistar rats aged 8 to 10 weeks and weighing 140 to 220 g was used. Aqueous extract of N. tabacum at the doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight were orally administered to groups B and C, respectively while 0.5 ml of distilled water was administered to group A (Control) for 28days. Serum concentration of estradiol (E2) and total cholesterol were estimated using the microplate enzyme immunoassay and enzymatic end point methods, respectively. The SPSS software (version 20) was used for the statistical analysis and the result expressed in mean ± SEM.
Result: The result showed significant increase in serum estradiol concentration (from 2.50±0.43 pg/ml in the control group to 9.33±1.87 pg/ml in the treated groups), significant decrease in serum total cholesterol concentration (from 1.92±0.04 mmol/l in the control group to 1.22±0.08 mmol/l in the treated groups) and body weight (p≤0.05), and insignificant increase in the weight of the testes (p≥0.05). Testicular microscopy showed decreased spermatogenesis, atrophic interstitial space and moderate hypertrophy of the seminiferous tubules.
Conclusion: Therefore, N. tabacum could be considered a potential endocrine disruptor which can affect the micro-anatomical architecture and function of the testis.