Male Reproductive Hormonal Activity of Synergistic Ingestion of Aqueous Extract of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera in Male Rat Model

Abstract

Background and Objective: Masculinity encompasses sexual potency as one of its determinants. The global rise in rates of sexual dysfunctionality in males has gained much interest in the world of science, hence, a need for ways to enhance and manage sexual dysfunctionality. This study evaluated the effects of the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nuts), Phoenix dactylifera (dates) and Cocos nucifera (coconut), (STCD) on the reproductive hormones in a male rat model. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity LD 50 of STCD was carried out according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group; Control, 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally for 24 hrs, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis while the tests were harvested for histological examination. The IBM SPSS, Version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Acute toxicity LD 50 of STCD was observed to be $2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the serum concentration of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and testosterone were observed, while a decrease in prolactin was observed in the group administered STCD at 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD with values, 0.526±0.193, 1.166±0.440, 0.756±0.130, 0.536±0.217 and 1.018±0.741, 1.700±0.835, 0.874±0.516 and 0.284±0.627, respectively, when compared to the control. The histological examination showed numerous germ cells with normal spermatozoa for control and 200 mg/kg extract, while that of 400 mg/kg extract showed a spermatic cord containing mature spermatozoa. Conclusion: The results of this present study show that STCD had enhancing effects on the male reproductive hormones investigated, thus this study suggests the enhancing potency on male sexual libido and performance of STCD. This is also evidenced by the copulatory behavior observed in the experimental rats when administered STCD.