Pharmacological Effects of Methanolic Extract of Garcinia Kola (Heckel) Seed on the Reproductive Profiles of Some Male Experimental Animals.
ABSTRACT
Garcinia kola is commonly consumed in Nigeria in social ceremonies and for leisure purposes. It is speculated to enhance sexual performance in males.
The effects of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola seed on the male reproductive profiles of rats were determined at oral doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 20 and 60 days respectively.
The animals were administered the extract orally for either 20 or 60 days after which analysis of the parameters were carried out using known standard procedures. The acute toxicity test revealed that the LD50 of the methanolic extract is 3125 ± 52.68 mg/.
The extract caused significant increase in luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (P<0.05), but not so in testosterone compared to control (P>0.05).
However, at 500 mg/kg there was decreased in the parameters especially in groups treated for 60 days. The results show that the extract did not significantly decrease sperm concentration and motility (slow progression).
However, there was a significant decrease in rapid progression at all dose levels for both durations of treatment. Similarly there was no significant increase in death of sperm cells in treated groups compared to control (P>0.05).
Results of the histological examinations of the testes, epididymis anterior pituitary and liver showed that the extract caused no visible serious morphological alterations on cells in rats treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg.
The extract caused significant increase in testicular weights of rats in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05).
The fertility and reproductive performance tests showed that the extract at 250 mg/kg significantly increased the frequency of mounting, intromission and ejaculation (P<0.05).
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Reproduction is central to the continued existence of mankind on earth. In sexual animals including humans, reproduction is important for both males and females for life to continue.
In humans, the importance of reproduction to married couples can hardly be over emphasized.
Procreation is achieved by an act of sexual intercourse which commences the process of fertilization. For this process to be successful, the reproductive system of both the male and female must be in their normal conditions.
Failure or inability to perform this important natural act by either partner will inevitably result in reproductive failure and this will raise many questions bordering on continuity of life and sometimes inheritance.
The desire for mankind to solve health problems dates back to pre-historic periods. One of such problems involves that associated with reproductive failure sometimes manifesting as infertility.
Consequently, infertility, whether in the males or females remains both a medical and social problem.
Generally speaking, infertility has been addressed more in females than in males especially in developing countries due to some traditional, cultural and religious reasons (Toppary et al., 1996).
Paradoxically, there have been aggressive pursuits for medicinal products that will address decreased sexual performance experience by the males.
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