Abstract
Garcina kola seed is believed by some to enhance male sexual performance but existing scientific data show divergent results. In this study, the sexual and reproductive influence of ethanol (70%) seed extract of G. kola was evaluated in Wistar rats. Adult male rats were gavaged with 0, 50, 100, 200 or 300 mg kg-1 day-1 of extract for 30 days and mated with female rats after sexual behavior characteristics were carefully evaluated. Serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH, as well as epididymal sperm indices were analyzed after mating, while pregnancy rate and litter size of female rats were recorded. Extract (50 mg kg-1) treatment produced no effect on sexual activities, but higher doses caused reduction relative to control. Additionally, except at 50 mg kg-1, extract treatment caused reduction in sperm count (p<0.0001), sperm viability (p = 0.0011), testosterone and FSH (p<0.0001). LH was unaltered, while abnormal sperm morphology was elevated (p<0.05). Furthermore, pregnancy rate and litter size in extract (100-300 mg kg-1) treated rats were lower when compared to control. The results suggest that low dose of G. kola seed may not affect sexual activity, whereas high doses may affect fertility by negatively altering sexual behavior, testosterone level and sperm indices.
Highlights
Medicinal plants are increasingly relied upon for maintenance of personal health and wellbeing. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that a large global population rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their health care needs, partly because they are cheap and accessible compared to orthodox medicines and because of the belief that they are effective in the treatment of a wide range of ailments (Barata et al, 2016)
The present study aims to evaluate the influence of G kola on male reproductive function by investigating the effect of 30 days oral treatment with ethanol extract of G kola seed on sexual behavior, sperm parameters, serum reproductive hormone concentrations and fertility potential in Wistar rats
Chasing was moderate, sniffing and genital grooming were mild, but there was no nosing observed in 200 mg kg−1 extract treated rats (Table 2)
Summary
Medicinal plants are increasingly relied upon for maintenance of personal health and wellbeing. The numerous ethno-medicinal uses of the plant include, treatment of abdominal discomfort, headache, cough, throat infections, vomiting and impotence (Adesina et al, 1995; Ofor et al, 2004; Okoye et al, 2014). It has been used locally for the treatment liver diseases, diarrhea, microbial infections and as a general antidote (Ibiblio, 1983; Iwu, 1989; Ofor et al, 2004; Adegboye et al, 2008). Most of the folkloric uses of G. kola have been authenticated, but its beneficial role in the treatment of male infertility is yet to be substantiated with scientific proof
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