Dietary Xylopia Aethiopica Reduces Fertility Capacity of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of dietary intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on the gonads of male Wistar rats. Ten (10) mature male Wistar rats, weighing 220-240g, were used in this study. Five (5) rats received the 5 % w/w dietary dosage of Xylopia aethiopica, and 5 others received the control diet, with clean drinking water, ad libitum, for 21 days. Thereafter, the rats were weighed, sacrificed and the gonads were isolated for use in determining testicular weight, semen parameters and histology of the testes. Xylopia aethiopica caused significant decreases in ratio of testicular weight to body weight, sperm motility, sperm count, and alterations in the histology of the testes. High intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica has adverse effects on semen quality parameters and gonadal histology, and may compromise male fertility.

Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, fertility capacity, Wistar rats.