Sperm Quality and Hormone Profile of Male Albino Rats FED with Seeds of African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum, Mull)

Abstract

Herbal plants have been found to be effective in traditional medicine for healthcare. However, the full potentials of these natural resources are yet to be fully explored. This research was coined at investigating the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds on the hormone and sperm profile of male albino rats. Forty eight albino rats of about twelve weeks weighing between 130-180g each were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) with twelve rats in each group. The test extract was obtained from the seeds and incorporated into the feed of the rats. Group A served as the control (without test substance) while groups B, C and D were fed with of 4, 8 and 12g/kg body weight (BW) of the test substance for the period of 63 days. Respectively the results obtained from hormonal analysis show that there are significant difference (p<0.05) in the serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) of the rats between the different treatment groups while the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were not significant (p>0.05). Results of semen quality show that there are significant differences (p<0.05) in the sperm count, sperm morphology, sperm viability and semen pH among rats between the different groups. Sperm motility and organ weights (testes and epididymides) were not significantly affected (p>0.05). The results indicate that the seeds of T. conophorum can enhance the production of reproductive hormones and may be used in the formulation of useful fertility drugs.