Methanol Root Extract of Rhaphiostylis beninensis Planch Ex Benth (Icacinaceae) Reverses Alcohol-Induced Changes in Sex Hormones and Semen Quality in Male Rats
Keywords:
Rhaphiostylis beninensis, Icacinaceae, Male sex hormones, Alcohol-induced toxicity, Semen quality, Male ratsAbstract
The methanol root extract of Rhaphiostylis beninensis was investigated for its ability to reverse alcohol-induced changes in sex hormones and semen quality in male rats. Animals fed with alcohol for 30 days were concomitantly treated with 200, 400 mg/kg of the extract and Vitamin E as a positive reference. Blood collected from animals at end of the treatment period was analyzed for serum concentration of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Sperm parameters of count, motility, and morphology were also determined with the histo-anatomical evaluation of the testes. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum concentration of testosterone and progesterone was observed in the treated groups compared to the alcohol control group. The ratio of normal to abnormal sperm cells equally increased in extract-treated animals suggesting that the root extract of Rhaphiostylis beninensis may be useful in improving male fertility.
