Mitigating Property of Sacoglottis Gabonensis Ethanolic Extract on
Spermatogenesis of Swiss Mice Following Chronic Exposure to
Aspartame
Aruchi, Wekhe-Emenike; Eme Efioanwan Orlu; Adetutu Olubunmi Obulor
Rivers State University, P.M.B
Received: 15 October 2025; Accepted: 22 October 2025; Published: 22 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This study aimed at evaluating the Mitigating property of Sacoglottis gabonensis ethanolic extract on
Spermatogenesis of Swiss mice following chronic exposure to Aspartame. A total of Ninety mice were assigned
to five groups (A-E) of eighteen mice each. Group A was the negative control. Group B was the positive control
and received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame. Group C received 50mg/kg/bw/day of aspartame and
250mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic leaf extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis. Group D received 50mg/kg/bw/day of
aspartame and 50mg/kg/bw/day of ethanolic bark extract of S.gabonensis. Group E received 50mg/kg/bw/day
of aspartame and 250mg/kg/bw/day of a combination of bark and leaf extract. All the groups were exposed to
the treatment by oral gavage for 30, 60 and 90days. Histological examination of the section of testis of mice at
the end of 30, 60, and 90 days of the experimental period revealed normal testicular epithelium with a full
complement of spermatogenic elements in group A. In mice exposed to aspartame only (group B), the
seminiferous epithelium was devoid of spermatogenic elements, leaving spaces in the lumen. Group C, exposed
to aspartame and ethanolic extract of S. gabonensis bark showed regeneration of the seminiferous tubule. In mice
exposed to aspartame and the ethanolic extract of S. gabonensis leaf (group D), degeneration of the
spermatogenic cells and regeneration of interstitial cells were still observed. Group E showed the regeneration
of spermatogenic cells and the elongation of spermatids. Maturing spermatozoa were found in the lumen, and
Interstitial cells beginning to regenerate. It was concluded that aspartame is potentially antispermatogenic and,
based on its consumption in various forms of juices, drinks, and beverages may be implicated in male secondary
infertility. Conversely, S.gabonensis has the potential to ameliorate inhibition and impairment of
spermatogenesis resulting from chronic exposure to toxicants.
Keywords: Antioxidant, Aspartame, Sacoglottis gabonensis, Spermatogenesis
INTRODUCTION
Humans naturally like sweet tastes which boost their appetite. However, there is an increase in the number of
people suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other heart-related diseases due to the increased
consumption of sugary diets. Artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame, saccharine, acesulfame-k) known as non-
nutritive sweeteners have sweetening potential very high compared to common sugar (Marinovich et al., 2013).
Most diet, beverages, and food products currently in the market contain an artificial sweetener, aspartame.
However, controversy surrounds the effects of this non-nutritive artificial sweetener, as it is made up of
components such as phenylalanine, aspartic acid, diketopiperazine and methanol, that may have adverse effects
on neural functioning, particularly on neurotransmitters, neurons and astrocytes (Humphries et al., 2008; Abu-
Taweel, 2016; Abdelmonem, et al., 2019). According to the study of Hozayen et al., 2014 aspartame's mode
of action appears to involve the degradation and atrophy of Leydig cells in rats resulting in reduced testosterone
synthesis and secretion due to the influence of formaldehyde produced from aspartame. Seif, 2014 reported
alterations in the testicular morphology, decreased sperm count, and changes in hormone levels of male Wistar
rats exposed to aspartame. Also, Wekhe-Emenike et al., 2022a reported significant alterations in the serum
electrolytes of experimental mice administered aspartame compared to the control group Following oral
administration to humans and experimental animals, aspartame is completely and rapidly metabolized by
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