The Effect of Fruit Extracts of Black Pepper on the Fertility Potential of Male Albino Mice

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of black pepper fruit extract on serum testosterone status and fertility potential in male subjects. Twenty seven healthy male mice, four months old, weighing between 25-30 g, were used as experimental animals and grouped into three. The first group was given pellets that do not contain black pepper extract as the control. The second and third groups, respectively were treated with pellets containing water extract and ethanolic extract. Pellets given ad libitum every day for 90 days. Serum testosterone measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques. Left testis of mice removed, weighed and dissected. Cauda epididymis was separated from testis and squeezed to determine epididymal sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. To determine the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatocytes and spermatids, testes were fixed in Bouin solution, processed and cut at a thickness of 5 um, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope at 400x magnification. When compared with control group, male mice treated with fruit extract of black pepper showed significant increase in the serum testosterone level, epididymal sperm concentration, spermatocyte counts, spermatid counts, and the weight of epididymis tubules. As the conclusion, fruit extract of black pepper has a positive effect on androgenic hormone level and fertility potential in male mice.