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

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.