Effects of Phoenix Dactyliferaon Some Reproductive Organs and Hormonal Profiles of Male Wistar Rats
Chapter One
Aim of the Study
To evaluate the possible effects of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera on the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, epididymal sperm count, motility and morphology, and hormonal profiles of male Wistar rats.
Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study include the following:
- To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera on the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum of male Wistar rats.
- To evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactyliferaon on the epididymal sperm count, motility, and morphology of Wistar rats.
- To evaluate the histological changes that may occur in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland of male Wistar rats following the administration of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera.
- To determine the morphometric changes that might occur in the testes and epididymis following the administration of aqueous extracts of phoenix dactylifera to male Wistar
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability of couples to achieve pregnancy after one year of continuous unprotected sexual intercourse or six months, if the woman is 35 years or older (ASRM, 2012; Chandra and Copen, 2013). The prevalence varies widely, being less in developed countries where resources for investigation and treatment are readily available and accessible but more in developing countries where limited resources for investigation and treatment are available, infertility is considered also a public problem. It does not affect the couples’ life only, but it also affects the healthcare services and social environment (Kamel, 2010).
Infertility can be attributed to any abnormality in the female or male reproductive system and can be of different forms including:
- Resolved infertility: Pregnancies occur after one (1) year of trying without medical
- Primary infertility: Never pregnant.
- Secondary infertility: Failure to conceive after having previously delivered an infant without the use of infertility treatment (CDC, 2014).
The major causes of infertility are male factors (sperm abnormalities), others include ovarian dysfunction, tubal disease, endometriosis, and uterine or cervical factors. A careful history and physical examination of each partner can suggest a single or multi- factorial etiology and can direct further investigation but in approximately one fourth of couples, the cause is uncertain and is referred to as “unexplained infertility” (Jose- Milleret al.,2007). Infertility affects about 15% of couples in reproductive age world- wide and male factor is solely responsible in about 50% of the cases and contributory in 30–40 per cent of cases (Jarow et al., 2002; Raheem and Raph, 2011). Therefore, semen analysis is important in the initial evaluation. The pathogenesis of male infertility can be reflected by defective spermatogenesis due to failure in germ cell proliferation and differentiation (Mitchell et al., 2001).
Male Reproductive System
The Male reproductive system consist of both internal organs and external genitalia that functions in the production, storage and conduction of spermatozoa as well as the production of seminal secretions; Themale internal reproductiveorgansinclude the testes, epididymides, ductus deferentes, seminal glands, bulbourethral glands, prostate gland and ejaculatory ducts while the external genitalia consist of the penisand scrotum. (Moore and Dalley, 2006).
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MATERIALS
Experimental Animals
Twenty (20) male Wistar rats (122-134g) were purchased from the Animal House, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Plant Material
The date palm fruit was purchased from Samaru market in Zaria Kaduna State. Identification and authentication of the fruit was done in the herbarium section of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State and was given Voucher number of 3253.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
Acute Toxicity (LD50) Study
There was no death in rats treated with aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera at 2500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg after 72 hours of treatment. The extract has wide safety margin.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION
Aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera did not result in death of any Wistar rat at 2500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg after 72 hours of treatment, this suggests that the extract is relatively safe and the lethal dose (LD50) is greater than 5000mg/kg. The relative safety observed may have been responsible for the widespread use of the fruit both as food and for treatment of various ailments/illnesses and an important part of the diet of people in the Arab countries where they are consumed fresh, dried, or in various processed forms(Kader and Hussein, 2009; Mallhi et al., 2014).
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
From this study, it can be concluded that, administration of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactyliferaat 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000 mg/kgfor (35 days) might affect fertility in male Wistar rats through the following ways.
- Degeneration of Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells with distorted epididymal sperm cells, vacuolated epididymal epithelium and distorted prostate glands.
- Decrease in sizes of interstices and epididymal epithelial
- Decrease in serum testosterone levels and
- Decrease in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm
Therefore, caution should be taken in the consumption of Phoenix dactylifera fruit, even though it has numerous therapeutic effects.
Recommendations
Based on the findings from this study, the following are recommended
- Further studies should be conducted on the effects of the various phytochemical components of Phoenix dactylifera fruit on male reproductive system of Wistar
- Further studies should be carried out to ascertain the exact mechanism that results in decrease sperm count and testosterone
- Further studies should be conducted on DNA cytological staining of sperm cells in Wistar
Contributions to knowledge
- Administration of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera to male wistar rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg for 35 days caused significant decreases in serum testosterone levels (1.14±0.09 ng/ml, 1.00±0.11 ng/ml and 1.14±0.09 ng/ml, respectively) compared to that of the control rats (2.20±0.07 ng/ml).
- There was significant decrease in size of interstices (27.30±1.38 µm, 26.60±1.98µm and 30±1.38 µm) following the administration of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera to male wistar rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively for 35 days compared to that of the control rats (36.50±2.18 µm).
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