Evaluation of potential effects of the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds on fertility in male rats

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) has long been used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of nutritional and metabolic dysfunctions. It has been shown that the daily intake of fenugreek seeds improves feeding behavior in animals. A number of studies have also suggested a link between Fenugreek seeds extracts and fertility but have yielded contradictory results. In this paper, particular attention has been paid to the impact of consumption of the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds, prepared according to the traditional Moroccan method, on the spermatic parameters and the pathophysiology of the reproductive system of Wistar rats receiving 450 and 900 mg / kg /day, respectively. Our study results show the benefits of fenugreekseeds aqueous extract, used in the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia on appetite stimulation and weight gain without any significant impact on the fertility and the reproductive performances. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of sperm parameters (morphology, mobility and vitality) showed no significant variation compared to the controls. In addition, histological examination of seminiferous tubules and reproductive accessory glands (prostate and seminal vesicles) in fenugreek treated rats showeda normal tissue architecture without visible lesion. These data exclude all potential risks from the consumption of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds on the fertility and reproductive function in male rats. However, taking into account other data from the literature, this regular consumption should be closely monitored in order to allow the organism to fully benefit from a multiple phytotherapeutic virtues of this plant.