The agent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is standard for the induction of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in animal models. Cognitive dysfunction disturbs about thirty-forty percent of PD patients and can progress to dementia. Non-motor symptoms, such as hippocampal damage, contribute significantly to the deficiency in cognition observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research work evaluated how honey performs its neuronal protection on the MPTP-induced hippocampal damage. Forty adult male Swiss mice were assigned to control, MPTP, honey, and honey + MPTP groups. MPTP was administered intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) at 2-hour intervals, four times in one day on day 22, and honey (1.5 ml/kg) was given orally for 21 days. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed significant hippocampal damage in MPTP-treated mice, including disrupted cytoarchitecture, reduced astrocytic and microglia processes, and increased ERK expression. Pretreatment with honey preserved the general hippocampal cytoarchitecture and the astrocytic and microglial processes, and modulated the activities of ERK levels, suggesting improved synaptic plasticity. These results suggest honey’s potential as a functional food to help mitigate hippocampal damage and cognitive decline in PD....
Self-reported anthropometric data are widely used in public health for convenience and cost-effectiveness, yet gender-specific reporting biases raise accuracy concerns among young adults in Abakaliki, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 240 participants (120 males, 120 females) aged 18–30 years through stratified random sampling. Participants first reported their anthropometric values, followed by standardized direct measurements. Paired sample t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate differences and associations between self-reported and measured values, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results showed that males slightly over-reported height (171.76 ± 10.47 vs 170.77 ± 10.45 cm; mean difference 0.99 ± 1.38 cm, t = 7.86, p < 0.001, r = 0.98) and under-reported hip girth (103.44 ± 8.02 vs 106.34 ± 7.95 cm; mean difference -2.90 ± 4.74 cm, t = -6.70, p < 0.001, r = 0.95). Females over-reported height (171.53 ± 13.83 vs 168.57 ± 13.76 cm; mean difference 2.96 ± 3.42 cm, t = 9.54, p < 0.001, r = 0.95) and under-reported weight (74.15 ± 15.03 vs 77.15 ± 15.03 kg; mean difference -3.00 ± 15.03 kg, t = -2.18, p = 0.031, r = 0.82). Waist girth differences were minimal and not statistically significant. Females showed greater variability in self-reported waist and hip measurements, highlighting pronounced gender-based reporting biases. Direct measurements or validated correction factors are recommended to ensure accurate public health assessments....
Little is known about the ketogenic diet (KD)'s seizure-fighting properties. The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is a "gate" site for seizures. The neuroprotective effect of KDs on PTZ-induced epilepsy (35 mg/kg) every other day for 20 days was examined. The thirty mature female Wistar rats were separated into six five-rat per group. Group 1 control (normal feed); Group 2 PTZK; Group 3 PTZK and levetiracetam (10 mg/kg); Group 4 PTZK and palm-kernel oil-KD; Group 5 PTZK and castor oil-KD; and Group 6 PTZK and olive-KD. To promote kindling, PTZ was increased by 5 mg/kg in subsequent intraperitoneal administrations after the fourth. Rats were fed various diets. 10 days before and during Kindling. The Racine scale gave seizure severity scores. Ketone bodies (KB) (Acetoacetate, Acetone, β-Hydroxybutyrate) and levetiracetam's GABA binding-affinity were determined by molecular docking. Elevated plus-maze assessed anxiety/risk-taking. The number of neurons (unbiased design-based stereology) and DNA fragmentation (Feulgen reaction) were estimated. In silico analysis of levetiracetam showed high binding affinity for FFR2 and FFR3, but weaker bonding than KB. KD groups (4, 5, and 6) had seizure scores of 3, while the PTZK group (2) had 4. Contrary to groups 2 and 3, the KD's neuroprotective benefits may improve cognition, lower impulsivity, and reduce risk-taking. Compared to the KD groups (4, 5, and 6), the PTZK group (2) had decreased neuronal number and an increase in SNr DNAfragmentation. KBs' connection to FRR2 and FFR3 may protect against neurodegeneration, risk-taking, and seizures....
There are increasingly significant safety concerns regarding the use of medicinal plants with regard to maternal and fetal health. This is particularly due to the established capacity of some bioactive compounds like phytoestrogens, saponins, and others to influence reproductive hormone levels, enhance contraction of the uterus, and jeopardize the integrity of the myometrium. The effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (ELEPS) on the gravid uterus of primigravid Wistar rats during late pregnancy, gestational day 15 – 21, was investigated in this study. Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups: A, B, C, D, and E, and administered 10ml/kg distilled water, 50 µg/kg misoprostol, 400 mg/kg ELEPS, 600 mg/kg ELEPS, and 800 mg/kg ELEPS, respectively. Results showed dose-dependent adverse effects, including significant weight reduction and complete fetal loss across ELEPS-treated groups C, D, and E. Fetuses exhibited intrauterine growth restriction at lower doses, while the highest dose induced early abortion with uterine involution and hemorrhage. Histological analysis revealed increased endometrial folding, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hyperemia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated elevated expression of uterine oxytocin receptors (OTR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), indicating enhanced contractile and inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that Pterocarpus santalinoides possesses potent uterotonic and fetotoxic properties, which may be mediated through hormonal disruption, estrogen potentiation, and prostaglandin synthesis, and poses significant risks in pregnancy. The findings from this research suggest that intake of Pterocarpus santalinoides during late gestation is unsafe....
Anatomy is a core component of health sciences education, yet it remains challenging, particularly in resourceconstrained settings. This study examined the relationship between students’ perceptions, expectations, and learning challenges among undergraduate anatomy students at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria. A crosssectional design was employed, involving 140 students across 200–400 levels. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple linear regression. Students demonstrated high perception scores (mean = 32.66 ± 6.23), reflecting strong recognition of anatomy’s relevance to clinical practice and professional development. Despite this, moderate learning challenges were reported (mean = 24.48 ± 5.57), driven mainly by content overload, memorization burden, overcrowded practical sessions, and limited access to learning resources. A significant positive correlation was found between perception and challenge scores (r = 0.500, p < 0.001), indicating that higher appreciation of anatomy is associated with increased perceived difficulty. Regression analysis identified perception as the only significant predictor of learning challenges (β = 0.488, p < 0.001), while academic level and extent of exposure showed no significant effects. Qualitative findings revealed a “positive but demanding” learning experience and emphasized the need for improved practical exposure, better teaching strategies, and enhanced resources. Overall, the study highlights a clear expectation–reality gap; addressing this gap requires a shift toward learner-centered, experience-driven approaches that optimize cognitive load and improve instructional effectiveness....
Body mass index is widely used in adolescent nutritional assessment, but it cannot differentiate between fat mass and lean body mass, and its utility may be strengthened by simple circumference-based measurements. This study assessed the relationship between wrist circumference and BMI-related and circumference-based anthropometric indicators among adolescent students attending secondary schools in Bade LGA, Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional design, the study enrolled 401 students aged 12–17 years selected from public and private secondary schools using stratified random sampling. Height, weight, body mass index, neck circumference, and wrist circumference were each assessed following recognized anthropometric protocols. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Group comparisons were made using independent t-tests to compare anthropometric indices by sex and school type, while Pearson correlation assessed relationships between wrist circumference, body mass index, and neck circumference at p < 0.05. Participants comprised 200 males and 201 females, with a mean age of 14.9 ± 1.5 years. Mean wrist circumference was 15.0 ± 1.2 cm. Males had significantly higher wrist circumference than females (15.6 ± 1.1 cm versus 14.5 ± 1.1 cm; p < 0.001). Wrist circumference correlated positively with body mass index (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and neck circumference (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Private-school students had higher wrist and neck circumferences than public-school students. Wrist circumference is positively associated with body mass index and neck circumference among adolescents in Bade and shows potential as a complementary anthropometric measure in school-based nutritional screening....
Executive function (EF) comprises cognitive processes essential for academic success. This study assessed the relationship between executive function and self-assessed academic performance (AP) among medical students at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). A cross-sectional design was used to examine the associations between EF components: inhibitory control (INC), cognitive flexibility (CF), and working memory (WM), and academic performance. A total of 314 medical students were selected through systematic sampling and completed an Open Data Kit (ODK) questionnaire with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.77). Structural Equation Modeling using SPSS (SEM-GLS) and direct path analysis was employed to evaluate relationships among EF variables, AP, and sociodemographic factors. Inhibitory control correlated significantly with cognitive flexibility (r = 0.389, p < 0.001) and working memory (r = 0.587, p < 0.001), while cognitive flexibility and working memory were also strongly related (r = 0.545, p < 0.001). Cognitive flexibility showed a significant negative effect on academic performance (β = –0.463, p < 0.001). Regarding age, only inhibitory control demonstrated a significant association (β = –0.248, p = 0.003). Neither sex (β = –0.019, p = 0.704) nor age (β = 0.069, p = 0.174) significantly predicted academic performance. Among the ten reported academic challenges, the most common were being in classes students did not like (38.0%), difficulty communicating with lecturers (33.2%), and difficult courses (29.7%). The findings indicate that executive function components are significantly interrelated, suggesting close links among working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Cognitive flexibility was negatively associated with academic performance. These results highlight the need to align curricula with student interests, strengthen faculty–student communication, and provide balanced academic challenges supported by adequate resources....
The scapula is a key anatomical structure reflecting locomotor adaptation in primates. Humans exhibit bipedalism with non-weight-bearing upper limbs, whereas arboreal primates such as Cercopithecus sclateri rely on forelimbassisted locomotion. Forty adult dry scapulae (20 humans, 20 Sclater’s monkeys) were analyzed. Morphological features were assessed qualitatively, while morphometric parameters including spine length, acromion length and width, glenoid diameter, and coracoid process length were measured using digital calipers. Data were recounted as mean ± standard deviation and assessed by an independent t-test (p < 0.05). All parameters were significantly higher in humans: spine length (13.02 ± 0.62 cm vs. 6.35 ± 0.48 cm), acromion width (4.62 ± 0.41 cm vs. 0.52 ± 0.09 cm), glenoid diameter (2.01 ± 0.15 cm vs. 0.81 ± 0.07 cm), and coracoid length (4.38 ± 0.27 cm vs. 1.52 ± 0.12 cm) (p < 0.001). The suprascapular notch was present in all human specimens but absent in monkeys. The scapula demonstrates significant structural divergence between species, reflecting functional adaptation to mobility in humans and stability in arboreal primates....
Porters in large Nigerian markets are routinely exposed to repetitive lifting and load carriage. This study aims to build and deploy a machine learning model to predict the risk of back pain from anthropometric parameters. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 active porters. Back pain was measured using an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Body weight, height, and circumferences of neck, calf, and waist were measured using standardized protocols. The Tidymodels framework of the R software was used for all stages of the model development. The model was deployed as an R Shiny web application and hosted on shinyapp.io. The mean age, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio of porters with back pains were respectively 26.4 ± 7.2 years, 1.70 ± 0.07 meters, 64.8 ± 11.1 kg, 22.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2, 82.9 ± 7.6 cm, and 0.49 ± 0.05. The respective values for porters without back pains were 24.8 ± 6.1 years, versus 1.74 ± 0.08 meters, 62.4 ± 9.3 kg, 21.0 ± 3.5 kg/m2, 81.5± 8.2cm, and 0.47 ± 0.05. The prevalence of back pain among the subjects was 87.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, and area under the ROC curve of the model for the test data were found to be 85%, 42%, 79% and 66%, respectively. In conclusion, predictive analytics using simple anthropometric measurements has the potential to be used in screening the risk of back pain among porters in the large markets of Kano State, Nigeria....
Climate change-induced heat waves pose significant physiological challenges to organisms, yet the sublethal effects of acute heat stress on living organism’s health remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of acute heat stress (5 and 10 minutes at an elevated temperature of 40oC) on oxidative stress markers, locomotor function and brain sections in male Drosophila melanogaster within a duration of 2 days. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, while climbing performance was evaluated using the Rapid Iterative Negative Geotaxis (RING) assay. Brain morphology was also examined histologically. Results showed decreases in MDA and SOD levels across both heat-exposed groups that was not significant (p >0.05), while GSH levels decreased after 5 minutes but increased after 10 minutes, these changes were also not significant. However, the RING assay revealed a significant decline in climbing performance following 10 minutes of heat exposure (p < 0.05 for the control; p < 0.01 for the 5-minute group), despite the absence of significant changes in biochemical markers. Brain micrographs from the 10-minute group showed pronounced vacuolation and neuropil disruption in the optic lobes and central brain, correlating with the observed motor deficits. The findings of this study demonstrate that acute heat exposure causes a decline in motor performance and alters brain histological architecture in Drosophila melanogaster. However, no significant changes were detected in the oxidative stress biomarkers....
Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by genetic and prenatal environmental factors. Dermatoglyphic traits, particularly fingerprint ridge density (RD), are established during early foetal development and may serve as non-invasive markers of developmental disturbances associated with schizophrenia. This study investigated fingerprint ridge density patterns among individuals with schizophrenia and controls in Kano State, Nigeria, and examined sex-related differences. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 schizophrenia patients and 111 controls aged 18–60 years. Ridge density was assessed in the ulnar (URD), radial (RRD), and proximal (PRD) regions of all ten digits using a standardized 5 mm × 5 mm counting technique. Females demonstrated consistently higher ridge density values than males across both groups, confirming sexual dimorphism. Compared with controls, schizophrenia patients exhibited significantly lower ridge density values across multiple digits and regions. The reductions were more pronounced among males, particularly in the thumb, ring, and little fingers, and were associated with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Female patients also showed significantly lower ridge density values, especially in the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, although the differences were generally less marked than those observed among males. Bilateral reductions were predominantly evident within the ulnar and radial regions, suggesting altered prenatal epidermal ridge development. These findings provide further support for the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia and indicate that fingerprint ridge density may represent a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive biomarker of developmental instability associated with the disorder....
Testicular cell toxicity can be a resultant effect of exposure to environmental pollutants such as lead (Pb) through mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, thereby impairing male reproductive function. This study evaluated the protective effect of zinc on lead-induced oxidative stress and its impact on testicular histoarchitecture and sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=4/group): Control (2 ml/kg distilled water), Lead (20 mg/kg lead acetate), Zinc (20 mg/kg zinc sulfate), and Lead + Zinc (20 mg/kg of each). Treatments lasted 8 weeks. At the termination of the study, animals were euthanized according to ethical guidelines, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and testes were subsequently excised for semen analysis. Lead exposure significantly reduced all seminal parameters (p < 0.0001), while increasing lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and reducing antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase) (p < 0.05). Zinc supplementation alone or with lead significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed disrupted testicular architecture in the lead-only group, while zinc co-treatment preserved normal seminiferous tubule structure. Zinc may have a therapeutic effect in the management of lead-induced oxidative stress and reproductive damage in male Wistar rats, through its antioxidant effect....
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing globally, raising concerns about fetal exposure to Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. THC readily crosses the placental barrier and may disrupt the endocannabinoid system, which regulates fetal organogenesis, including hepatic development. This study investigated the effects of oral THC exposure during mid-gestation on liver morphology, growth indices, and selected biochemical markers in Wistar rat offspring. Twelve adult female Wistar rats were mated with proven fertile males, and pregnancy was confirmed by the presence of a vaginal plug and spermpositive vaginal smear, designated as gestational day (GD) 0. Pregnant rats were randomly assigned to a control group (vehicle only) or a THC-treated group (150 mg/kg, oral gavage) from GD12 to GD21. Offspring were evaluated for body weight, liver weight, histomorphological changes using haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining, and serum biochemical parameters. Prenatal THC exposure significantly increased liver weight compared with controls (p < 0.0001) and was associated with increased body weight (p = 0.0004). Histological examination revealed hepatocellular hypertrophy, cytoplasmic vacuolization, architectural disorganization, and reduced glycogen deposition in THC-exposed offspring. Biochemical analysis showed significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012) and conjugated bilirubin (p < 0.0001), with significant increases in total protein (p = 0.015) and total bilirubin (p = 0.014). Oral THC exposure during mid-gestation disrupts hepatic development in Wistar rat fetuses, primarily affecting liver growth, cellular architecture, and synthetic capacity rather than inducing overt hepatocellular necrosis....
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating chemotherapy agent that causes severe, dose-limiting ovotoxicity, often leading to diminished ovarian reserve. This study investigated the protective efficacy of magnesium glycinate (MgG), a highly bioavailable organic magnesium chelate with antioxidant properties, against CP-induced structural and endocrine ovarian damage. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=8): Control, MgG Low-Dose (22.8 mg/kg), MgG High-Dose (32.8 mg/kg), CP-Only (150 mg/kg i.p. on days 1, 3, and 5), and CP co-administered with low or high-dose MgG orally for 21 days. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were quantified via ELISA. Ovarian histoarchitecture, stromal fibrosis, and glycoprotein barrier integrity were evaluated utilizing Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining. CP intoxication profoundly disrupted the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, significantly suppressing serum FSH and LH levels (p < 0.05). Histologically, CP induced massive interstitial hemorrhage, vascular congestion, extensive stromal fibrosis, and the degradation of glycoprotein microenvironments (follicular basement membrane and zona pellucida). Co-administration of MgG dosedependently attenuated these toxicities. The high-dose MgG regimen normalized LH concentrations, upregulated FSH secretion, prevented hemorrhagic necrosis, suppressed aberrant collagen cross-linking, and preserved the structural integrity of critical glycoprotein barriers and developing follicles. Magnesium glycinate successfully mitigates CP-induced ovotoxicity by rescuing vital gonadotropin secretion, suppressing pathological extracellular matrix remodeling, and preserving essential follicular microenvironments, positioning it as a promising adjunct therapy for fertility preservation during gonadotoxic chemotherapy....
Diabetes mellitus is estimated to affect over 589 million globally, with projections reaching 853 million by 2050, and a higher burden reported in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is characterized by destruction of pancreatic βcells and persistent hyperglycemia. Limitations associated with conventional antidiabetic drugs in low-resource settings emphasize the need for accessible phytotherapeutic alternatives. Garcinia kola, a medicinal plant native to West Africa, has shown antidiabetic activity in preclinical studies; however, its hexane seed fraction remains poorly investigated. This study evaluated the effects of graded doses of hexane seed extract of Garcinia kola on fasting blood glucose and pancreatic histoarchitecture in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n=6): normal control, diabetic untreated, metformin (500 mg/kg), and extract-treated groups (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using alloxan (150 mg/kg) and confirmed after 72 hours at ≥180 mg/dL. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured at baseline, post-induction, and on days 7, 14, and 21. Pancreatic tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at p<0.05. By day 21, the 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg groups showed near-normal glucose levels of 90.67±16.04 mg/dL and 87.67±22.19 mg/dL, respectively, compared with the metformin group (409.33±64.66 mg/dL) and untreated diabetic group (231.33±46.49 mg/dL). Histological analysis showed regeneration of islets of Langerhans and partial recovery of pancreatic structure in higher-dose groups. Overall, the extract demonstrated dose-dependent antihyperglycemic and pancreatic-protective effects, supporting further investigation into its potential therapeutic use....
Diabetes mellitus and mercury toxicity are associated with oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration, particularly in the hippocampus. The study assessed histological and immunohistochemical effects of ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on the hippocampus of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats exposed to mercuric chloride. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg), while mercury toxicity was induced using mercuric chloride (3mg/kg). Treatment groups received graded doses of Chromolaena odorata extract at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg and metformin (standard drug). Biochemical assays for oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical analyses (GFAP and p53) were carried out. Significant elevation in malondialdehyde level (910.59±32.73) and reduction in antioxidant enzymes (SOD: 21.04±2.30; GPx: 37.78±6.20) were observed in untreated diabetic rats exposed to mercury compared to controls. Treatment with Chromolaena odorata extract significantly reduced MDA level and restored antioxidant enzyme activity. Histological findings showed neuronal degeneration in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus regions in untreated rats, while treated groups showed preserved neuronal architecture. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased GFAP and p53 expression in untreated groups, which were reduced following treatment. Ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata exhibits significant neuroprotective and antioxidant effects against diabetes and mercury-induced hippocampal damage....
Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education, income, marital status, and occupation significantly influence lifestyle behaviors among women. These factors vary across settlement types (urban, suburban, and rural), shaping health outcomes and accessibility to healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors among Nigerian women aged 18–60 years across different settlement types. A cross-sectional study involving 669 women (rural = 206, suburban = 219, urban = 244) was conducted in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Associations were tested using chi-square statistics at p ≤ 0.05. Significant associations were observed between settlement and birth season (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.001), age at marriage (p = 0.001), education (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.001), and BMI (p = 0.001). Lifestyle factors, including general health perception (p = 0.001), meal frequency (p = 0.001), exercise (p = 0.001), and alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), also varied significantly. No significant association was found for smoking (p = 0.669). Settlement significantly influences both sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Targeted public health interventions are required to address disparities across rural, suburban, and urban populations....
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....