Modulatory effect of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut supplemented diet on fertility activity of clomiphene citrate in male rats

Abstract

ContextIncreasing concern has been expressed about the declining sperm count of humans and the potential fertility effects of clomiphene citrate, a synthetic oestrogen‐antagonist on human reproductive health in the last few decades.AimThis study aims to investigate the influence of cashew nut supplemented diet on fertility activity of clomiphene citrate in male rats.MethodsThe rats were divided into six groups (n=6): rats fed basal diet; rats fed basal diet and then given clomiphene citrate (cc) orally; rats fed diet supplemented with 10% processed cashew nut and given cc orally; and rat fed diet supplemented with 20% processed cashew nut and given cc orally; rats fed diet supplemented with 10% processed cashew nut and rat fed diet supplemented with 20% processed cashew nut.ResultsThe results revealed that there was a significant (p<0.05) improvement of total testosterone level and epididymal sperm count, viability and progressive motility in all the groups, in comparison to control, with more significance in combination therapy group. Similarly, increased testicular and epididymal total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), total thiol (T‐SH), nonprotein thiol (NPSH) levels, Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and steroidogenic enzymes activities with concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production and arginase activity were observed in all the groups when compared with control, with more significance in combination therapy group.ConclusionTherefore, the combination therapy with cashew nut boosts the fertility potentials of clomiphene citrate. Thus, this combination therapy can be used to treat male partners suffering from infertility.Support or Funding InformationnilThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.