Abstract
Background:Alcoholic bitters have been acclaimed to boost sexual function and fertility in animals but there is no reported scientific evidence that evaluated its effects on the normal functioning of the testes. This study was therefore conducted to assess the effect of some alcoholic bitters on testicular function indices of male Wistar rats.Methods:A total of 25 male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of five animals each and treated with distilled water, ethanol, Alomo, Striker and Orijin Alcoholic Bitters at 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, 0.16 and 0.3 ml/kg body weight respectively for 28 days. The animals were thereafter sacrificed and the serum obtained was used for the determination of sex hormones. Assessment of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as the activity of β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were carried out using standard methods.Results:There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in protein, cholesterol, testosterone, FSH and LH, as well as in the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, SOD and CAT in all the groups of animals administered the alcoholic bitters, whereas concentration of MDA was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Concentration of triglycerides was not significantly different (p>0.05) from those of the control animals.Conclusion:The alcoholic bitters enhanced the normal functioning of the testes, the antioxidant enzymes and the release of the reproductive hormones. This may partly explain its use in boosting sexual function and fertility in male rats.
Highlights
Infertility describes prolonged difficulty at achieving success with conception between a male and female having unhindered access to sexual activity[1].A male’s inability to fertilize the female’s ovum for upwards of twelve months of unrestricted intercourse categorizes him as infertile
The serum level of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) significantly increased (p
The administration of the Alomo, Striker and Orijin alcoholic bitters as well as ethanol to the animals resulted in a significant increase (p
Summary
Infertility describes prolonged difficulty at achieving success with conception between a male and female having unhindered access to sexual activity[1].A male’s inability to fertilize the female’s ovum for upwards of twelve months of unrestricted intercourse categorizes him as infertile. Various plant extracts have been acclaimed to have aphrodisiac potentials and utilized traditionally to enhance sexual performance and fertility[3,4] Some of these extracts are produced, packaged and sold as bitters drink, which has gained global popularity in recent times. Bitters are liquid preparations (regularly alcoholic) produced from herb and root concentrates of tropical and subtropical plants[5] They have been utilized over several decades for their acclaimed set of medicinal benefits, such as treatment of kidney and bladder dysfunction, regulation of blood pressure, management of indigestion, menstrual cramps, ulcers, gastritis, insomnia, stress, depression, excessive weight and sexual inadequacies[4,6]. Conclusion: The alcoholic bitters enhanced the normal functioning of the testes, the antioxidant enzymes and the release of the reproductive hormones This may partly explain its use in boosting sexual function and fertility in male rats
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