Effects of <i>Allium cepa</i> L. peels extract on gonadotropins, testosterone and sperm variables in Oba Marshal broiler cocks

Abstract

Allium cepa (onion), a natural seasoning agent that contains significant amounts of potent antioxidants in its scaly leaves is used in folkloric medicine to manage several diseases globally. Antioxidants have an essential effect on sperm health parameters; however, there is limited information on the effects of Allium cepa scaly leaf extract on reproductive functions in Oba Marshal breeder cocks. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf on reproductive functions in sexually matured Oba Marshal breeder cocks. Allium cepa bulbs were obtained from a market in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Dry scaly leaves were peeled, pulverised, macerated in distilled water, filtered and concentrated. Twenty, 42 weeks old Oba Marshal breeder cocks (3.48 – 3.62 kg) were divided into 4 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CT (control, distilled water, 0.5 mL/kg), T2 (extract 200 mg/kg/bird), T4 (extract 400 mg/kg/bird), T8 (extract 800 mg/kg/bird). Sperm characteristics were assessed microscopically. Testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analysed using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Treated birds had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher sperm motility, morphology but non-significant changes in sperm viability and concentration compared with the controls. Also, serum FSH and LH significantly increased, while testosterone had no significant change in test groups compared to the control. Aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf improved testicular functions and morphology in the test cocks. The reproductive function enhancement of the extract may be due to its antioxidant effect.&#x0D; Keywords: Allium cepa, Breeding, Broiler cocks, Spermatogenesis, Testosterone

The beneficial effect of Allium Cepa bulb extract on reproduction of rats; A two-generation study on fecundity and sex hormones

“…Adeleye et al . [ 29 ] reported that A . Cepa has increased the serum levels of some hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); it has also improved sperm motility in birds.…”

“…Adeleye et al [29] reported that A. Cepa has increased the serum levels of some hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); it has also improved sperm motility in birds. Another study elucidated the protective effect of A. Cepa juice against dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress during lactation in rats [30].…”

Effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on semen characteristics, sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks

“…Antioxidants have an essential effect on sperm health parameters; however, there is limited information on the effect of dietary inclusions of garlic and onion on the reproductive functions of rabbits (Adeleye et al, 2020). This study investigated the effects of garlic and onion as dietary inclusions in rabbit rations on spermiogram, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves, testosterone profile and haematology.…”