Asparagus Leaf Extract Enhances Male Fertility via GnRH–Hormone Coupling

The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis is central to male reproductive function, and its disruption contributes to infertility. Asparagus officinalis leaves, less studied than roots or shoots, contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and androgenic properties. This study investigated the effects of aqueous A. officinalis leaf extract (ALEA) on the HPG axis in male Wistar rats, with emphasis on regression modeling to establish quantitative links between hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) activity and reproductive hormones. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: control, ALEA 100 mg/kg, ALEA 200 mg/kg, and ALEA 400 mg/kg. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were assayed by ELISA. Testicular histomorphometry was performed using Fiji (ImageJ) to quantify seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium thickness, and Leydig cell density. Hypothalamic GnRH immunoreactivity was evaluated. Statistical analysis included Analysis of Variance with Tukey’s post hoc test and regression modeling. ALEA significantly increased testosterone, LH, and FSH in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Histology revealed enlarged seminiferous tubules, higher spermatogenic index, and improved cytoarchitecture. GnRH immunoreactivity was elevated, and regression analysis showed strong correlations with testosterone (R² = 0.9966), LH (R² = 0.9956), and FSH (R² = 0.9981). ALEA enhances male fertility by upregulating hypothalamic GnRH and quantitatively coupling it to gonadotropin and androgen secretion. These findings provide novel mechanistic evidence for A. officinalis leaves as a phytotherapeutic candidate in male reproductive health.

Key Words: Asparagus officinalis; HPG axis; GnRH; regression analysis; male fertility