Effects of Crude Extract of Dry Fruits of Piper guineense on Male Fertility Parameters of Adult Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of aqueous extract of dry fruits of Piper guineense on male fertility parameters of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods:  30 adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 120g -150g were used. They were divided into three (3) groups. The control (group A), Short term treatment Group A (Group B) received 200 mg/kg of extract for 4 weeks (28 days) and long term treatment (Group C) received 200 mg/kg of extracts for 8 weeks (56 days). Extract was given via gastric intubation. The controls as well as treated animals were allowed free access to pelleted feed and water ad libitum. The animals were sacrificed and blood taken for serum biochemical analysis. Testicular weight was taken and recorded. Caudal epididymis excised for semen analysis. Results: There was an increase in animal body weight gained throughout the duration of the experiment as compared with the control. There was also a significance increase in testicular weight. Serum testosterone level increased in treated groups. Semen analysis reveals normal parameters no oligospermic or azoospermic condition was detected. Sperm morphology was normal and no teratozoospermic sperm found. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Piper guineense at dose of 200mg/kg for 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively had a positive impact on male fertility parameters.  From results obtained, Piper guineese enhances testicular hormone secretion. This study revealed no deleterious effects of aqueous extraction of dry fruits of Piper guineense on male fertility.