Abstract
Background: The use of medicinal plants as fertility enhancer in human is now on the increase because of the shifting of attention from synthetic drug to natural plants. Carpolobia lutea (CL) is a popular aphrodisiac herbal medicine, known for curing male sterility; increasing libido; induction of penile erection; enhancement of aphrodisiac prowess; enhancement of virility and male fertility; and augmentation of male sexual functions. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the fertility enhancement ability and possible side effect(s) of CL in male rats and also to provide insight and added to the existing knowledge available in the society on the usage of CL. Methods: A total of 20 Wistar rats with average weight of 162g were randomly grouped into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats per group, with group A served as the control and was administered normal saline. The remaining 3 groups (B-D) were orally administered 47mg/kgbw, 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw of Carpolobia lutea (CL) respectively for 60 days before sacrifice by cervical dislocation method. Results: The results obtained show ed that the blood testosterone of the treated rats reduced significantly. The morphometric result was good with significant increase in cross sectional area and luminal diameters in rats exposed to 141mg/kgbw and germinal epithelial diameter in rats exposed to 47mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. Semen parameters showed that the sperm count was significantly increased at the high doses of 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. The percentage of motile sperm also increased significantly while the morphological grading showed no changes at all. The experimental rats testes showed no visible lesions or the lesion was very mild (20%), seminiferous tubules were normal and concentric with intact basal membrane and lumen containing matured sperm cells together with the interstitial spaces which are well delineated and defined. Conclusion: It was concluded that the consumption of CL stem in any form can enhance the normal anatomy and physiology of testes at moderate dose and may account in part for the rationale behind its use in the management of sexual dysfunction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
