Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition of Some Commonly Sold Male Herbal Fertility Supplements in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Plants are major sources used in the production of pharmaceutically active drugs and they contain diverse phytochemicals which give these herbal supplements their biological and pharmacological effects. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of some commonly sold male herbal fertility supplements (Libron Herbal, Mascum Herbal Pride and Energy 3000) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the herbal supplements was done using standard procedures. The GC 789OB 5977A and Mass Spectrometry Device (MSD) Model was used for the GC/MS Study. Results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis of the supplements shows that flavonoid, protodiocin, tannins, phenols and alkaloids were present in libron herbal supplement. Protodiocin, saponins, tannins, phenols, alkaloids and cardiacglycosides were present in mascum herbal supplement while flavonoids, protodiocin, tannins, alkaloids, anthroquinones and terpeniods were present in Energy 3000 herbal supplement. For the quantitative phytochemical analysis of the herbal supplements, libron herbal supplement contained Flavonoid 0.24 ± 0.00%, protodiocin 0.29 ± 0.01%, tannins 0.37 ± 0.02%, phenols 0.18 ± 0.00% and alkaloid 0.28 ± 0.10%.  Mascum herbal supplement were seen to contain protodiocin 0.27 ± 0.07%, saponins 0.48 ± 0.08%, tannis 0.38 ± 0.06%, phenols 0.21± 0.07%, alkaloids 0.18 ± 0.10%, and cardiaglycosides 0.27 ± 0.07% while Energy 3000 was made up of flavonoid 0.10 ± 0.00%, protodiocin 0.29 ± 0.04%, tannis 0.64 ± 0.10%, phenols 0.28 ± 0.01%, alkaloids 0.26 ± 0.01%, anthroquinones 0.27 ± 0.10% and terpenoids 0.25 ± 0.00%.The GC/MS study was seen to contain various chemical compunds. The three herbal supplements assayed contain diverse phytochemicals that may enhance male fertility as well as some chemical compounds that could alter hormonal functioning of some biochemical systems in the albino rats.