Effect of Aqueous Extract of Soya Bean (Glycine Max) on the Male Reproductive Hormones and the Testes of Male Albino Wistar Rats

Soya bean is a widely used plant seed that possess phytosteriods components like isoflavones, coumestans and ligans, though rich in isoflavones. This has been shown to act on the steroid receptors thereby either exiting or inhibiting the receptor site and subsequently the function of the receptor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of soya bean aqueous extract on the testis and male reproductive hormones using adult male albino Wistar rats. Fifteen adult male rats were assigned into three groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 was negative control. Both groups 2 and 3 were treated with 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of soya bean aqueous extract respectively. Treatment of the animals lasted for 4weeks and was done orally. Blood sample was collected and assayed for FSH, LH and testosterone hormones. The testes were also processed for histological studies. The result showed general increases in hormonal levels. However, FSH was marginally significant only in group 3 when compared to group 1. Histological examination of the testis showed more testicular tubular development in groups 3 and 2 when compared to group 1. We concluded that soya beans have positive effect on the testes and male reproductive hormones. However, a further study in human is recommended especially in the aspect of management of male infertility.