Tamarindus indica Fruit Pulp Restores Reproductive Function in Sodium Fluoride Administered Rats

Abstract

BackgroundInfertility is often associated with increased depression and stigmatization of infertile individuals. Although there exists in Africa, fertility inducing herbal condiments, however the pharmacology of most of these agents are unknown.ObjectiveThis study investigated the prophylactic and ameliorative effect of ethanolic fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica on sodium fluoride induced reproductive dysfunction.MethodologyT. indica fruit pulp was extracted in ethanol by maceration. The filtrate was thereafter oven dried at 60°C. Seventy rats of both sexes weighing 120 ± 5 g randomized into 7 groups of 10 rats each were used for the study. Group 1 was placed on placebo. Group 2 and 3 were first placed on 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 4 weeks followed by concomitant administration 20 mg/kg NaF. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were initially administered with 20 mg/kg NaF for 45 days followed by 4 weeks’ administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg T. indica (4 and 5) and 50 mg/kg clomid (group 6).ResultThe sperm function indices showed that administration of 400 mg/kg extract significantly increased sperm count and restore the sperm motility, morphology and viability to values not different from the control. Follicle stimulating hormone and progesterone also compared favorably with the control. The leutinizing hormone, testosterone, and oestrogen at 400 mg/kg dose were significantly raised. The histopathological analysis of the testes of rats pre‐etreated with the extract showed the presence of large interstitial space in the seminiferous tubules while a relatively normal histomorphological representation was seen in rats treated with the extract after sexual dysfunction induction.ConclusionOur results indicate that administration of the fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight is efficacious for the management of infertility.Support or Funding InformationPersonall