Effects of Three Brands of Herbal Cocktails on Reproductive Hormones in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Herbal cocktails are blends of multiple herbs containing several extracts designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy through synergy, and widely marketed for fertility enhancement. This research investigated the effects of three branded herbal cocktails on reproductive hormones in Wistar rats. Thirty-six (36) rats were used for LD50 determination and 80 rats were administered the mixtures. Animals (both sexes) were divided into four groups comprising twenty (20) rats each, one control group and three (3) treatment groups. Group A (control) received normal feed and water, the three experimental groups received low (500 mg/kg) and high (1500 mg/kg) doses of the mixtures orally for 40 days daily. Group B was treated with sample A, Group C and D with samples B and C respectively. Reproductive hormonal parameters assessed were luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, testosterone and estradiol. The results revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in LH (3.86 ± 0.01 to 5.95 ± 0.02 mIU/ml), progesterone (1.98 ± 0.03 to 20.50± 0.42 ng/ml), testosterone (0.13 ± 0.01 to 1.45 ± 0.71 ng/ml) and estrogen (22.50 ± 1.41 to 77.00 ± 4.24 pg/ml) levels across treatment groups compared with the control, while FSH showed no significant change. These findings suggest that while the cocktails may enhance both male and female fertility, they could also lead to impaired spermatogenesis, reduced libido, endometrial hyperplasia, irregular menstrual cycles and reduced fertility in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and regulation of herbal cocktails.