<i>Cyperus esculentus</i> (Tiger Nut) Improves Fertility and Testicular Histology in Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Ofem E. Ofem; Mfoniso I. Udonkang; Iya E. Bassey; Obioma O. Okechi

Authors

Ofem E. Ofem Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Mfoniso I. Udonkang Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Iya E. Bassey Department of Medical Bacteriology, Virology and Mycology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Obioma O. Okechi Department of Clinical Chemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Spermatogenesis, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Testosterone, Testis, Tiger Nut

Abstract

Male infertility is a public health problem. Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) is an edible nut that is rich in vitamins C and E, and enhances fertility in humans and animals. Tiger nut is widely consumed but there is a paucity of data on its safety profile. This study investigated the effects of administration of different doses of tiger nut crude extract on serum levels of testosterone, vitamins C and E, and histological changes of the testes of Sprague Dawley rats. Four groups of male rats involving: Control (distilled water and animal feed only) and Group 2, 3, and 4 given tiger nut orally at 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight respectively for 30 days were used. Testicular weight, serum testosterone, and vitamins C and E levels were determined. Testes were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, processed by paraffin wax-embedding method, and stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome techniques. There were dose-dependent significant increases in testicular weight (p < 0.001), serum testosterone (p=0.002), vitamin E (p < 0.001), and vitamin C (p < 0.001) levels in the test groups. The increase in spermatozoa production and enlargement of interstitial spaces and blood vessels were prominent in the group given 2000 mg/kg. The seminiferous tubule width increased and the collagen fibers were intact and well-preserved in the test groups. Tiger nut improves the production of spermatozoa by increasing serum testosterone, vitamin C, and E levels and enhances erectile functions through vasodilation. Moderate consumption of tiger nuts may help in ameliorating fertility in males.

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