Walnut Seeds Research Articles

Changes in Antioxidant Activity, Profile, and Content of Polyphenols and Tocopherols in Common Hazel Seed (Corylus avellana L.) Depending on Variety and Harvest Date.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of variety and the date of harvest of hazelnut seeds on their antioxidant potential and the profile and content of polyphenols and tocopherols. The research material included the hazelnut seeds of six varieties, harvested from July to September at equal 30-day intervals. Hazelnuts were analyzed for total fat content and antioxidant properties, whereby UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS analysis was used to determine the profile and content of polyphenols, and the HPLC method to determine the content of tocopherols. It was found that the content of fat and tocopherols in nuts increased with the ripening of the nuts. The highest fat content was found in walnut seeds of the Kataloński variety (September) and tocopherols in walnut seeds of the Olbrzym z Halle variety (177.67 mg/kg d.m.). In turn, antioxidant properties and total polyphenols content decreased with the later harvest date. The strongest antioxidant potential was found in the case of Cosford nuts harvested in July (66.93 mmol TE/100 g d.m.). These nuts were also characterized by the highest total polyphenol content (1704.9 mg/100 g d.m.). UPLC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 15 polyphenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, catechins and ellagic acid hexoside in nut seeds.

The Potential of Walnut Seeds (Canarium indicum L.) in Repairing The Genotoxicity Effect of Mercury on Mice Erythrocytes

Hydrargyrum (familiar as mercury) is a persistent transition metal element. They are known as bio-accumulative properties that are dangerous to the environment and has serious damaging effects on biota, including genetic changes or mutagenesis. Moreover, it can accumulate indirectly in the human body due to the consumption of products that have contaminated. Whereas, ellagic acid has reported as one of 13 flavonoid compounds that have potential as an anti-mutagen and anti-cancer in the walnuts seeds. This study was aimed to ensure the potential extent of ellagic acid extracts in walnut seeds to reducing and repairing the genotoxicity effects of mercury. Therefore, using the experimental method, this study was divided into several test treatments. Two controls treatment as a comparison of the presence of micronucleus with group tests that given a 20 ppm mercury dosage. Then continued with the addition of walnut seed extract with various dosage (10, 15, and 20 ppm) by oral injection continuously for two weeks as a recovery process to reducing and repairing the genotoxicity effect of mercury. The significant results showed that there are differences between pre and post-treatment. It indicated that the extract has the potential for improving and reducing the genotoxicity effect of mercury. The data were evaluated and obtained the total micronucleus from the smear of peripheral blood of mice by comparing the total micronucleus before and after giving of walnut extract.

Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Nutritional Constituents of Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum OR Plukenetia conophora) Seeds

Proximate Composition, Mineral Content, Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Nutritional Constituents of Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum OR Plukenetia conophora) Seeds

Accelerated Aging Test to Assess Vigor of Juglans Nigra Seeds

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to develop a methodology for standardizing the Accelerated Aging test (AA) for J. nigra seeds. After different aging treatments, seeds were subjected to the standard germination test the results of which were expressed as the percentage of normal seedlings. Germination velocity index and mean time of maximum germination were also determined. Our results showed that storage at high temperature and relative humidity deteriorates black walnut seeds to the extent that their germination capacity is lost in only seven days. Bigger seeds had a higher percentage of normal seedlings and vigor, both under favorable storage conditions and when subjected to accelerated aging treatments. This work has clearly shown that vigor of J. nigra seeds should be assessed using AA periods no longer than 72 h. The most frequent abnormality observed in AA testing was seedlings with stubby roots and no secondary roots.

Effects of microhabitat on rodent-mediated seed dispersal in monocultures with thinning treatment

Monoculture practices in plantation forests reduce biodiversity and soil fertility compared with the adjacent patches of primary or secondary forests. Thus, it is urgent to convert monocultures into mixed stands to resolve those problems. In Northeast China, pure larch (Larix spp., mainly including L. olgensis, L. gmelinii, and L. kaempferi) plantations (LPs) are widely converted into mixed larch-walnut stands by introducing Juglans mandshurica (a native and light-demanding broadleaved tree species in secondary forests) into the LPs. However, the success of the natural regeneration of J. mandshurica must rely on rodent-mediated seed dispersal away from parental trees, and the dispersal processes are largely influenced by microhabitat changes during the thinning management of plantations. A field trial was conducted by releasing tagged J. mandshurica seeds in LPs with three thinning intensities (0%, 25%, and 50% thinning intensities) during two continuous growing seasons. The results indicated that among the three thinning treatments, the removal rate of seeds by rodents was the fastest, and the scatter-hoard seed (6.3 m) was most plentiful, in the 25% thinning intensity of LPs. On the contrary, the seed dispersal rate was the slowest, and the seed dispersal distance (8.3 m) was the farthest, in the stand with 50% thinning intensity in the non-mast year of 2015. This finding may be because both the changes in canopy openness and variations in microhabitats (including light incidence, soil moisture, and coverage of understory shrubs and herbs) caused by different thinning intensities have a synergetic effect on rodent-mediated seed dispersal. Inter-annual variation in seed production resulted in faster removal rates with larger cache proportion in LPs (25.93%) and shorter dispersal distance (6.4 m) in the non-mast year (2015) and vice versa in the mast year (2016). Thinning is a potentially feasible practice to promote rodent-mediated seed dispersal and the potential seed germination of J. mandshurica in LPs. We could take varying measures for different silviculture objectives to make full use of the thinning advantage in rodent-mediated seed dispersal; for instance, 25% thinning intensity (437–532 trees ha−1) provided a suitable microhabitat for rodents to disperse walnut seeds into LPs faster, and 50% thinning intensity (292–355 trees ha−1) is suggested in LPs to promote rodents to cache seeds with longer distance.

Phenolic analysis and erectogenic function of African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) seeds: The impact of the seed shell on biological activity.

This study investigated the erectogenic potential of African walnut seed (AWS). The extract from AWS cooked with/without shell interacted with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, angiotensin-I converting enzymes (ACE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE); enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and Fe2+ -induced malonaldehyde (MDA) production in the isolated penile tissue. The results showed that the extracts inhibited the enzymes and MDA production, but Walnut cooked with shell had the highest effect. This agreed with increased phenolic acids and flavonoids, found in the AWS cooked with the shell, compared with that cooked without shell. The inhibition of enzymes and antioxidative potentials could be among the possible mechanisms of actions of AWS in the management/treatment of ED. However, cooking walnut seed with the shell seem to be a contributing factor, as this could prevent possible leaching out of the phytochemicals that could be responsible for these biological effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Walnut seed possesses a high content of phenolic compounds and inhibit enzymes relevant to the management of erectile dysfunction. Traditionally, Walnut seed is being cooked with/without the shell and consumed for the purpose of alternative medicine in folklore. Our investigation revealed the possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect Walnut seed in the management of ED, but the impact of the shell during cooking contributes to this effect. This result will inform the consumers and food scientist on the importance of cooking Walnut seed with the shell in order to maximize its nutraceutical values.

Comprehensive biochemical insights into the seed germination of walnut under drought stress

The evaluation of physiological and biochemical aspects is essential to identify clues that can assist breeders in selecting Persian walnut genotypes with considerable tolerance to drought stress. This objective can be obtained by analyzing seed biochemical compounds from different genetic resources, e.g. seeds from individual trees that are commonly exposed to drought stress. In the current research, we evaluated the effects of drought stress, as induced by PEG6000, on the germination of walnut seeds collected from six promising genotypes (i.e. 'SS2', 'TT2', 'TT1', 'ZM1', 'Haward' and 'Chandler'). A photoperiod of 12 h was provided during the experiments, along with an average temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. According to the different indexes of germination, a greater tolerance was observed among three genotypes, namely, 'ZM1', 'Haward' and ‘Chandler’. In response to drought stress, the contents of proline and total soluble sugars increased, especially at intense levels of stress, whereas the amount of starch decreased. The levels of antioxidant activity significantly increased by POD, APX, CAT, SOD and LOX enzymes in the radicle and plumule tissues as the water potential reached −1.5 MPa. Three genotypes, namely, 'TT2', 'TT1' and 'SS2' were susceptible to cell wall damage (i.e. by lipid peroxidation). High levels of Spd and Spm in tolerant genotypes were accompanied by significant increases in the zeatin, endogenous IAA, zeatin riboside and ABA in the seeds. Our results suggest that, under drought stress, seed germination in walnuts can benefit from the accumulation of free Spd in seeds during the phases of germination. However, the accumulation of free Put appeared to be an inhibitory factor which suppressed the germination of walnut seeds.

Optimization of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Oil from Walnut Seed: Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Optimization of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Oil from Walnut Seed: Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Phytochemical Investigation and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnut) Seeds

Background: Tetracarpidium conophorum (African walnut) is an African plant with ethnobotanical uses. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activities of methanol extract and fractions (F) [n-hexane (HEX-F), dichloromethane (DCM-F) and, ethyl acetate (EA-F)] of T. conophorum seeds. Methods: Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity study were carried out using DPPH, ABTs radical scavenging assays, nitric oxide inhibitory and reducing potential assays. Results: Methanol extract and its fractions contain phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids content were significantly higher in EA-F and crude methanol extract compared to other fractions. Crude methanol and EA-F contain higher concentrations of tannin while hexane fraction had the lowest tannin content but relatively higher proanthocyanidin content compared to other fractions. The antioxidant activity study showed that both methanol crude extract and fractions of T. conophorum seeds have significant activities for DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, ferric reducing antioxidant potential, nitric oxide inhibitory activities, ABTS and hydroxyl radical scavenging for. DPPH radical scavenging activities of EA-F showed the lowest IC50 of 33.11 µg/mL, followed by Hex-F, DCM-F and crude methanol extract with IC50 of 33.43, 42.09 and 45.44 µg/mL, respectively, when compared to ascorbic acid with IC50 of 17.08 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study showed that T. conophorum seed is a rich source of secondary metabolites, which may be responsible for its antioxidant activities.

Converting Larch Plantations to Larch-Walnut Mixed Stands: Effects of Spatial Distribution Pattern of Larch Plantations on the Rodent-Mediated Seed Dispersal of Juglans mandshurica

Larch (Larix spp.) is planted after a clear-cut of secondary forests (SFs) to meet the timber demand of Northeast China. However, the declination of soil fertility and the acidification of surface runoff in larch plantations (LPs) resulting from mono-species composition have threatened the sustainable development of LPs. Converting pure LPs into larch-walnut mixed forests can solve those problems, in which it is crucial to promote the seed regeneration of Juglans mandshurica in LPs. The success of walnut seed regeneration is dependent on rodent removing seed away from mother trees and the dispersal processes rely on the stand structure. The spatial distribution pattern between LPs and SFs is a type of stand structure that might affect seed dispersal. There are two typical spatial patterns in Northeast China due to different topographical conditions, that is, contour type (C-T, LPs and SFs located at the same slope position and aspect) and downslope type (D-T, LPs located at the down slope of the adjacent SF in the same aspect). The objectives of our study were to verify the effects of the spatial distribution pattern of LPs on rodent-mediated seed dispersal and to determine the optimal spatial distribution type for seed dispersal. The field trial was conducted by releasing tagged J. mandshurica seeds at three stages of seed rain during two continuous growing seasons in two types of spatial distribution patterns for LPs. We found that contour type had a substantial advantage in the rodent-mediated seed dispersal, that is, the dispersal rate and the proportion of scatter-hoarded seeds in LPs of C-T stands were much higher than in D-T stands, respectively. These differences may be caused by the variation in the topographic factor for these two types of spatial distribution pattern of LPs. In the C-T stands, it was a translational motion for rodents to remove walnuts from SFs to LPs, which would be an energy efficient and favorable method of seed dispersal. Fluctuation of seed abundance had an effect on rodent behaviors and seed fates, that is, there was a faster dispersal rate and lower proportion of seeds in situ in the non-masting year of 2015 than in the masting year of 2016 and proportion of scatter-hoarded seeds reached the highest during the early stage and lowest at the middle stage of seed rain. Thus, the contour type of LPs with a favorable terrain advantage is potentially conducive to dispersing walnut seeds by rodents during early stage of seed rain and converting larch plantations into larch-walnut mixed forests.

Effect of phenolic compounds and fatty acid contents of walnut seeds on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

In Saudi Arabia, walnuts are most edible snacks that possess different pharmacological effects. However, their effects on diabetic patients need to be examined. Thus, this study investigated the gross chemical composition, specific minerals, fatty acids and phenolic compounds of walnut seeds in addition to clarify the effect of the consumption of walnuts in different ratios (2.5, 5 and 7.5%) on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. The chemical analyses revealed that the walnut seeds are rich in fat, protein and carbohydrates in addition to potassium, magnesium, calcium and phenolic compounds. Walnut seed oil had a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids followed by monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids thereafter. Biological results revealed that consumption of walnuts as 2.5, 5 and 7.5% of a basal diet fed to diabetic rats had a significant effect in elevating body weight gain and the feed efficiency ratio, significantly decreased the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose levels, and significantly increased circulating insulin compared to the positive controls. At the same time, consumption of 7.5% walnut seed powder in the basal diet restored the haemoglobin level and HbA1c values and also improved the antioxidant biomarker to within the values of the negative control group. Regarding the chemical constituents, walnut seeds are rich in fatty acids and phenolic compounds that give positive effects for consumption and also have ameliorative effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Phytochemical And Proximate Compositions of Tetracarpidium Conophorum [African Walnut] Seeds.

A sample of boiled Tetracarpidiumconophorum (African walnut) seeds was analyzed for the phytochemical and proximate compositions. The result of the phytochemical [qualitative] screeningrevealed the presence of high concentrations of Alkaloids and Steroids, and moderate concentration of Tannins. There were no traces of Saponins, Phlobotannins, Flavonoids, Phenols and Glycosides. The proximate analysis showed that the boiled seeds contained 5.5% moisture, 19.3% carbohydrate, 17.9% protein, 53.4% crude fat, 1.24% crude fiberand 2.67% ash. Data from thisstudy showedthat theboiled Tetracarpidiumconophorum seeds contain some bioactive compounds and have good nutritional composition. They could be useful in pharmaceutical formulations and as food.

Effect of Boiling and roasting on lipid quality, proximate composition, and mineral content of walnut seeds (Tetracarpidium conophorum) produced and commercialized in Kumba, South-West Region Cameroon.

The effect of boiling and roasting on the lipid quality, proximate composition, and mineral content of African walnut seeds (Tetracarpidium conophorum) was assessed. Results indicated that the quality of walnut oil significantly (p < .05) reduces with the treatments. Oils extracted from DBWN 60 min (Dried and boiled walnuts 60 min) and FBWN 60 min (Boiled fresh walnuts 60 min) were the most altered. The proximate composition and mineral content of walnut seeds was also significantly affected (p < .05) by the treatments. This study reveals that, thermal processing has significant effects on the nutrients and quality of lipids of walnut oil. DTRWN 60 min (Dried and traditionally roasted walnuts 60 min), DORWN 60 min (Dried and oven roasted walnuts 60 min), and TRFWN 30 min (traditionally roasted fresh nuts 30 min) are the best methods for cooking walnut because they preserve the quality of its lipids and some of the nutrients.

Effects of Pre-Stratification Storage Conditions on Black Walnut Seed Post-Stratification Germination Capacity

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to quantify changes in the germination capacity of Juglans nigra seeds following storage and then artificial stratification. Seeds were stored at 5 and –20 °C under 5% and 14% internal moisture content (IMC) for 0, 8, 10, and 12 months under conditions with oxygen or under vacuum. Germination percentage (GP) was affected by storage temperature, IMC, and storage period. Seeds stored with 5% IMC succeeded in germinating regardless of the temperature. Seeds stored with 14% IMC did not germinate (–20 °C) or germinated during storage (5 °C). The GP was reduced with the time of storage in seeds at –20 °C and 5% IMC and this effect was avoided in storage under vacuum. In conclusion, the germination capacity of black walnut seeds did not change for up to 12 months at low above-zero temperature and low IMC (5 °C, 5% IMC), being the most cost-effective alternative for long-term storage of black walnut seeds in commercial nurseries. Vacuum storage avoided the decrease of around 50% in average germination capacity of seeds stored for a year at –20 °C.

Process Intensification by Experimental Design Application to Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Juglans regia L.

Microwave-assisted extraction was applied to Juglans regia L. fresh male flowers and unripe walnut seeds to evaluate the total phenolic contents of the extracts as well as the percentage of water-soluble polyphenols. The research was planned using the Design of Experiments technique to investigate the role on the extraction efficiency of different parameters, such as temperature, time and number of microwave heating cycles, together with their possible interactions. Optimization was achieved by applying a Response Surface Methodology comprising a three-factor, two-level, full-factorial Face-Centred Central Composite Design. The two input variables with a significant effect on the recovery of phenols from fresh male flowers were the extraction temperature and the number of microwave cycles. In the case of unripe walnut seeds, a linear two-factor interaction model was selected, with significant interactions occurring between temperature and time, and time and number of microwave cycles. The best experimental conditions were as follows: 100 °C, 6 min, three microwave heating cycles and 22.7 ± 0.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g (total phenolic content, PC); energy consumption calculations suggested slightly different conditions: 60 °C, 30 min, three microwave heating cycles and 20.7 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g (TPC).

Protective Role of Walnut Seeds Extract and Vitamin E against Testicular Toxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Male Rats

Protective Role of Walnut Seeds Extract and Vitamin E against Testicular Toxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Male Rats

Effect of stratification and gibberellic acid on seed germination and seedling growth of walnut under Kashmir valley conditions

Off-season seed sowing in walnut in order to reduce sprouting period and extend propagation season under field conditions of Kashmir valley was undertaken during 2011 and 2012. Common walnut seeds at cold and ambient conditions treated with GA3 (50 and 100 ppm), ethrel (1000 and 1500 ppm), sulphuric acid (7.5 and 9.5%) and potassium nitrate (0.2 and 0.4%) were evaluated in split plot design (SPD) having 32 treatment combinations and three replications. GA3 100 and 50 ppm produced the maximum sprouting (58.24 and 54.23%). Ethrel 1500 and 1000 ppm showed low bud sprouting (38.07 & 35.58%, respectively), but was significantly higher than control (29.99%). Cold treated nuts showed significantly higher germination (46.51%) than ambient conditions (42.21%). Correlation between cold × unsoaked × GA3 was statistically significant. Unsoaked seeds × cold also produced sprouting rate (47.73%) higher than soaked with ambient storage (42.21%). Cold-30-day × 100 ppm GA3 interaction showed the maximum sprouting rate (63.29%). Interaction between unsoaked × 30-day-cold × GA3 100 ppm showed higher sprouting rate (65.33%) than soaked × 30-day-ambient storage × ethrel 1000 ppm (33.33%). Whereas, minimum sprouting (34.33%) was obtained in ambient-30-day × ethrel 1000 ppm. Vegetative growth viz., seedling height, number of days from germination leaf fall and stem diameter (mm) were the similarly influenced. Research findings indicate that off-season sowing in walnut and GA3 soaking could be economically viable method for enhancing seed germination. Refrigerated cold (30 days) and 100 ppm GA3 is feasible procedure for forcing seed germination and to extend the period of propagation in walnut.

Amino acid profile of raw and boiled seeds of african walnut (&lt;i&gt;Plukenetia conophorum&lt;/i&gt; Muell Arg.) From south-eastern Nigeria

Seeds of African Walnut (Plukenetia conophorum Muell Arg.) obtained from four (4) states – Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Rivers – in south-eastern Nigeria were assayed for amino acid contents of the raw and cooked seeds using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation in both essential and non-essential amino acid content across locations. Among the essential amino acids, the accession from Abia had the highest arginine and lysine content; Rivers had the highest concentration of histidine and valine, while Enugu showed the highest methionine and threonine content, though statistically similar with that of Abia. Boiling significantly (p < 0.05) increased the amount of tryptophan, but all the other essential amino acids did not respond significantly to boiling. Among the non-essential amino acids, alaninie, asparagine, glutamine, glutamic acid and glycine responded significantly to location. Boiling reduced the quantities of cysteine and glutamic acid; but increased those of glutamine and lysine. Among the essential amino acids, only histidine and lysine were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effects of location and processing such that boiling drastically reduced the levels of histidine in the seeds from Anambra and Rivers but enhanced the level of histidine in the seeds from Abia. Boiling also increased the amount of lysine in the Anambra seeds but reduced the lysine level in all the other accessions. In the case of the non-essential amino acids, asparagine, glutamine and glutamic acid responded significantly (p < 0.05) to interactive effect of the two factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained close to 50% of the total variability in amino acid composition, identifying arginine, asparagine, lysine, methionine, valine, glutamic acid, leucine, cysteine, threonine, alanine and isoleucine as the key amino acids for describing African walnut seeds in the south-eastern zone of Nigeria. It was clear from the study that seeds of this under-utilized forest species have full complement of the amino acids in sufficient amounts to meet the amino acid requirements of its teeming consumers. Keywords : African walnut, Plukenetia conophorum, amino acids, south-eastern Nigeria.

Chemical, Functional and Pasting Properties of Wheat (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Triticumspp&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)-Walnut (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Juglansregia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Flour

Walnut (Juglansregia) seeds are edible rich source of several essential nutrients which can be processed into flour for several purposes. Composite flour blends (wheat/walnut flour) in the ratio of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 50:50 were produced and analyzed for proximate composition, functional properties and pasting properties using standard techniques. Proximate composition results indicated increased level of protein and fat (12.17% - 25.70% and 2.40% - 37.57%) respectively while carbohydrate decreased (63% - 19.4%) with increasing level of substitution with walnut flour. Functional analysis result indicated a decreasing level of bulk density and water absorption capacity (0.78% - 0.52% and 5.17% - 4.03%) respectively while swelling capacity increased (2.00% - 7.53%) with increasing level of walnut flour substitution. Pasting properties data indicated a decreasing level of pasting viscosity (92.69 - 42.30), trough (59.19 - 39.60) RVU, breakdown (33.55 - 2.92) RVU, final viscosity (252.09 - 95.51) RVU, setback (192.85 - 55.93) RVU with increasing level of walnut flour substitution. Results showed that supplementing wheat flour with walnut flour considerably improved the protein and fat content of the flour, hence they can find useful application for making of pastries like cakes and other snacks.

The effect of Tetracarpidium conophorum Mull. Arg. Hutch. &amp; Dalziel (Euphorbiaceae) seed extracts on testicular function in male albino rats

The effects of extracts of Tetracarpidium conophorum Mull. Arg. Hutch and Dalziel (Euphorbiaceae) or African walnut seeds were investigated on testicular function in male albino rats. Four different groups of animals (A – D) were administered with daily oral doses (200 mg/kg body weight) of extracts of n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water respectively for 21 days. The control group (E) received equivalent volumes of normal saline. The animals were sacrificed after the 14th and 21st days of treatment. Testicular function was determined by serum testosterone levels by ELISA method, testicular weight, semen analysis (1, 2) and histological examination of the testes by H and E stain using Bouins fixative. Results indicated that n-hexane extract caused a significant increase in testosterone levels (p < 0.05) in a time dependent manner, while the methanol and water extracts caused decreases but no change in the chloroform extract-treated group. The body and testicular weights were increased above control values (p < 0.05). The superiority of the semen profile was in the order of groups treated with n-hexane>chloroform>water>methanol. Histological examination showed profound increases in spermatogenesis in the n-hexane treated group, while the methanol treated group showed deceases when compared with the control. This study therefore indicated that the n-hexane fraction of T. conophorum seeds probably has the ability to increase fertility in male rats and thus lends credence to the ethnobotanical claims in South Eastern Nigeria that ingestion of the seeds boosts male fertility and sexual performance.