The Effect of Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Extract on Tubules Seminiferous of Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of neem leaf extract on the seminiferous tubules of white rats. This study used 15 adult white rats which divided into 5 treatment groups. The control group was only given water and each treatment group was given neem leaf extract with the dose of 50 (P1), 100 (P2), 150 (P3), and 200 (P4) mg/kg BW orally for 30 days. The rats were then euthanized with chloroform and the testicular organs were collected for histopathological preparations using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining method. The data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that there were no histological changes of seminiferous tubules in control group as well as in P1 group. Spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells, lamina basalis, and interstitial connective tissue started to lyse and thin out were observed in P2. In P3 group, the Sertoli cells, basal laminae, and interstitial connective tissue showed partial lysis. Meanwhile, in P4 showed lysis of the interstitial connective tissue in each tubule. This study showed that seminiferous tubule damage is dose-dependent with the administration of neem leaf extract. In conclusion, neem leaf extract could affect the spermatogenesis process at the dose of 150 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW.