Modulation of Male Reproductive Function by Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus in Ofloxacin-Exposed Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the modulatory effects of Phoenix dactylifera (date) and Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) on male reproductive function in ofloxacin-exposed adult male Wistar rats. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental animal study using a factorial treatment design. Place and Duration of Study: Animal House, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between July 2025 and September 2025. Methodology: Twenty-six adult male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were assigned to eight groups. Group A received ofloxacin alone (200 mg/kg); groups B–G received ofloxacin with Phoenix dactylifera and/or Cyperus esculentus extracts at 150 or 300 mg/kg, and group H served as the untreated control. Methanolic extracts were prepared from sun-dried fruits. Sperm count, progressive and total motility, normal morphology, and serum testosterone were assessed. Data were analysed using analysis of variance, with factorial ANOVA used to determine the main and interaction effects of date and tiger nut doses. Results: Sperm count showed significant effects of date dose (F₂,₁₅ = 6.90, P = .008, partial η² = .479) and tiger nut dose (F₂,₁₅ = 13.21, P < .001, partial η² = .638), with a strong interaction (F₄,₁₅ = 11.27, P < .001, partial η² = .750), but no significant linear dose trend. Progressive motility showed a significant effect of tiger nut dose (P = .010) and a significant interaction between the botanical doses (P = .004), whereas total motility showed a significant effect of tiger nut dose (P = .005) and a significant interaction (P = .001). Normal morphology demonstrated significant effects of date, tiger nut and their interaction (all P < .001). Testosterone showed significant effects of date dose (F₂,₁₄ = 10.88, P = .001), tiger nut dose (F₂,₁₄ = 19.38, P < .001), and their interaction (F₄,₁₄ = 86.24, P < .001). Conclusion: Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus modulated male reproductive parameters following ofloxacin exposure, with responses dependent on endpoint and dose combination. Testosterone showed the clearest dose-related response, whereas sperm outcomes were predominantly interaction-driven and non-linear.