Abstract
Background: Kunu is a local beverage drink that finds its origin in the northern part of Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the liquid drink on the epididymis, testes, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay. Methods: A total of sixteen rats were used for this study and the animals were separated into four groups of four rats each (A-D). The animals were then sacrificed and the testes and epididymis were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline. Group A was fed only rat feed and water. Groups B, C, and D were fed 0.2 ml, 0.9 ml, and 2.5 ml of Kunu respectively orally using a metal cannula for 21 days. Findings: There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative testicular weights of groups B, C, and D as compared with those of group A. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm count in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. There was an insignificant increase (P>0.05) in FSH in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. The histopathological findings revealed that the group B rats of 0.2ml and group C rats of 0.9ml showed epididymal tissue with moderate accumulation of spermatozoa and testicular tubules with moderately enhanced spermatogenesis. The group D rats showed well-accumulated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen and improved spermatogenesis in the testis as did group A. Conclusion: Kunu beverage may not be used as a natural male fertility booster since it does little to improve sperm count, motility, morphology, pH, and hormonal levels of FSH and testosterone.
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