Effects of Treatment with Nauclea latifolia Root Decoction on Sexual Behavior and Reproductive Functions in Male Rabbits

ABSTRACT

Nauclea latifolia is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of male reproductive diseases. Despite its vast uses, its effects on the male reproductive system have not been scientifically proven. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nauclea latifolia root decoction on sexual behavior and functions in male rabbits. Twenty-four male rabbits were divided into four groups: The first group received daily distilled water orally. The second, third, and fourth groups were orally treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of Nuclea latifolia root, respectively. Sexual behavior parameters were carried out on weeks 1, 2, and 3 of the study. Testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured from the serum, while the testes tissue samples were used for antioxidant and histopathological examinations. Treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in significantly (p < .05) increased frequencies of mounting and intromission. In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly prolonged (p < .05). The latencies of mounting and intromission were significantly decreased (p < .05), whereas ejaculation frequency increased. Serum testosterone, FSH, and LH increased significantly (p < .05) after treatment with Nuclea latifolia. There was an increase in epididymal sperm counts at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses compared to the control. The extract also increased sperm motility and viability and improved testicular oxidative status. Histological examination revealed an increase in germinal layer thickness. The present study suggests that treatment with N. latifolia improves male sexual function and fertility and protects the testes from oxidative damage.

KEYWORDS:

• Nuclea latifolia
• rabbits
• sexual behavior
• sperm
• testosterone

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Quadri Kunle Alabi

Quadri kunle Alabi, MS, is a research specialist in renal, reproduction and gastroenterology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. He research interest include, anti-infective natural products and pharmacology of natural products.

Olaoluwa Sesan Olukiran

Olaoluwa Sesan Olukiran, MS, He is a lecturer at physiological sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-Ife. His research interests include, renal physiology, medical ethnobotany, medicinal plants and anti-infective natural products.

Modinat Adebukola Adefisayo

Modinat adebukola adefisayo, MS, she is a lecturer at Ondo state university of medical sciences. Her research interest include gastroenterology and anti-infective natural products.

Benson Akinloye Fadeyi

Benson akinloye Fadeyi, MS, is a senior dental officer at Federal teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti. His research interest include, sleep medicine, oral medicine and anti-infective of medicinal plants.