Publication:

Citrus aurantifolia impairs fertility facilitators and indices in male albino wistar rats

Background The ability to reproduce is one of life's essential functions; therefore factors that affect this ability are of vital importance to mankind. We therefore designed this study to assess the effect of various dosages of C. aurantifolia treatment on fertility promoters and indices in male albino wistar rats.

Methods Toxicity studies showed no lethality at 5000 mg/kg. Eighteen male albino wistar rats weighing between 220 and 240 g were used. They were randomly assigned into three groups of six rats each. Group one served as control and was gavaged 5 ml of normal saline, groups two and three were gavaged 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg body weight as medium and high dose respectively twice daily for 21 days. On the 22nd day, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture; following standard procedure, the serum was obtained for hormonal (FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone) assay using microplate immunoenzymometric assay. The testes were harvested for semen analysis.

Results LH level was significantly lower in medium dose (P <0.05) and high dose (P <0.001). A significant increase in medium dose and high dose groups (P <0.05) of testosterone levels when compared to the control group was observed. There was a significant decrease in fast progressive movement and percentage normal sperm morphology of sperm cells in medium dose and high dose (P <0.001). There was a significant decrease in percentage sperm concentration in medium dose (P <0.01) and high dose (P <0.001).

Conclusions We therefore deduce that Citrus aurantifolia possess antifertility potentials in male albino wistar rats. Excessive intake should be with caution in males with fertility challenges.