Received December 15, 2021
Accepted June 29, 2022

Objective This study investigated the expression of Kiss1 gene on the testis and the blood of Wistar rats, following the administration of methanolic extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (MEHS). Methods Fifteen (15) rats with an average weight of 204 g were randomly divided into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A was given no treatment and served as the normal control group. Groups B and C were orally administered 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of MEHS, respectively. The extract was administered once a day for 21 days. Results There was a significant increase in the relative testicular weight in group B and C compared to the control group (p=0.035). No significant difference was observed in the sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, and antioxidant levels in all the treatment groups than in control group (p>0.05). There is a significantly lower intensity of expression of the Kiss1 gene in the blood in groups B (p=0.000) and C (p=0.017) compared to the control group. There is no difference in the relative intensity of Kiss1 gene expression in the testis of all the experimental group (p=0.173). Conclusion MEHS caused no histopathological changes on the testis at both doses. MEHS shows the potential of downregulating the expression of the Kiss1 gene in the blood. However, this effect lacks a regulatory mechanism on the reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular morphology, and antioxidative levels.