Ethanolic Seed Extract of Garcinia kola Reduces Epididymal Sperm Count and Some Serum Reproductive Hormone Concentrations in Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aims: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of Garcinia kola on serum reproductive hormones and sperm count in adult male albino Wistar rats.

Study Design: Albino rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups containing 7 rats each.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University, Nigeria.

Methodology: Group 1 served as the control group, while groups 2, 3 and 4 received Garcinia kola extract orally at the rate of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weight, respectively once daily for 6 weeks (n꞊7). After 6 weeks of treatment, reproductive hormonal assay was carried out using the rat serum. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected and sperm count was determined using heamocytometer.

Results: The experimental groups had significantly lower weights of testes (P<0.05), as compared with the control group. The weights of epididymis in the experimental groups where significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in the serum concentration of testosterone (P<0.05) in the experimental groups when compared to the control group. Semen analysis also showed a significant decrease in the sperm density (P<0.05) in the groups treated with Garcinia kola extract when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Ethanolic seed extract of Garcinia kola showed a possible anti-spermatogenic consequence on treatment in male Wistar rats, and may be detrimental to male reproductive health, hence need to regulate its consumption rate.