Moringa oleifera Seed at the Interface of Food and Medicine: Effect of Extracts on Some Reproductive Parameters, Hepatic and Renal Histology.

The lipid-rich Seed of Moringa oleifera has been promoted as an effective water clarifier. Aside its vital nutritional application as an emerging food additive, the seed has continued to gain a wider acceptance in various global ethnomedicines for managing several communicable and lifestyle diseases, howbeit, its potential toxic effect, particularly on fertility and pregnancy outcomes has remained uninvestigated; the effect of Moringa oleifera seed (MOSE) aqueous-methanol extracts on fertility and pregnancy outcome, was investigated in vivo using female Wistar rats that were divided into 50, 100, 300 and 500 mg per kilogram body weight. Group six was given Moringa oleifera seed treated water ad-libitum (ad-libitum group). Organs harvested for histological assessment included ovary, uterus, liver and kidney. In addition to HPLC fingerprint and a preliminary peptide detection, we determined the physico-chemical characteristics and mineral content of MOSE using standard methods. Data were analyzed with significance at p ≤ 0.05. There was no significant difference in the estrus cycle, mating index, gestation survival index, gestation index, fertility index and sex ratio among all groups. Gestation length was reduced in some groups. While the male pup birth weight was comparable among the different groups, female pups birth weights were significantly reduced in 50 and 100 mg groups. Anogenital distance indices of female pups in ad libitum group were significantly increased. Pathologies were observed in liver and kidneys of dams while kidneys of pups presented a dose dependent reduction in the number of glomeruli. There were no observed pathological changes in the ovary and uterus. This study showed for the first time in rodents, that the lipid-rich MOSE is unsafe to the kidney of rodents while the lipid-free MOSE appears to be safe at doses up to 300 mg/kg body weight. Findings from this study suggested that the female pups were masculinized. In conclusion, the lipid-rich seed extracts of MOSE appear to be unsafe during pregnancy, induce hepatic and renal toxicity while the lipid-free MOSE excludes inherent toxicity as the hydrophobic part has been linked to toxicity as observed in this study due to the developmental programming effect on female offspring in rodents.

Saccharum officinarum juice alters reproductive functions in male Wistar rats.

Infertility is a problem across almost all cultures and societies. Problems in the male partner, especially as a result of unhealthy dietary habits, are the commonest single group of course. Many populations, therefore, tend more toward the use of natural dietary substitutes opined to proffer less risk to reproductive functions and more health benefits. Saccharum officinarum juice (SOJ) is a widely consumed, energy-rich, nutritious substance that has many minerals and enzymes. Saccharum officinarum plant was reported to have anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. This study evaluated the reproductive effects of S. officinarum juice in male Wistar rats. A sugarcane press juicer was used to extract S. officinarum juice. Twenty male Wistar rats (100-120 g) grouped into four (n = 5) received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), and 1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg/day of fresh S. officinarum juice once daily for 8 weeks via gavage. Sperm analysis, histology of testes and epididymides were evaluated by microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in assessing the serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance at a significance of p < 0.05. SOJ increased fasting blood glucose levels in 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg groups. The 10.0 mL/kg juice caused a significant increase in testosterone level and sperm count, and it also increased the percentage of aberrant sperm and decreased sperm viability. Saccharum officinarum juice impaired the histological integrity of the testes and epididymides. Thus, S. officinarum juice adversely altered the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats by reducing sperm quality and disrupting testicular architecture.

Saccharum officinarum molasses adversely alters reproductive functions in male wistar rats.

The widely reported anti-androgenic effects of refined sugar led to the exploration of safer alternatives. Saccharum officinarum molasses (SOM), a byproduct of sugar processing is gaining popularity as a substitute. This study investigated the effects of SOM and compared them to those of refined sugar on male reproductive functions. Blackstrap® Saccharum officinarum molasses were subjected to phytochemical screening and proximate analysis and fractionated to obtain methanol (SOMMF) and aqueous (SOMAqF) fractions. Twelve groups (n = 5) of adult male Wistar rats received distilled water (Control); 0.8, 2.5, 7.9 g/kg SOM; 0.0064 g/kg sugar (Dangote®); 0.0064 g/kg sugar+7.9 g/kg SOM; 1.0, 3.2, 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 0.6, 2.0, 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF, respectively. Administrations were done daily by oral gavage for eight weeks. Sperm profile and testicular and epididymal histology were assessed using microscopy. Serum testosterone was quantified using ELISA. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) was assayed by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count and viability reduced with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Abnormal sperms increased with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testosterone level reduced with 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testicular MDA increased with SOM, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts of 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar and SOMAqF-treated rats showed anomalies. Saccharum officinarum molasses altered testicular and epididymal integrity via lipid peroxidation, thus reducing sperm quality and androgen levels in male Wistar rats.

Protective action of N-acetylcysteine on sperm quality in cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Reductions in sperm quality due to free radical formation during cancer chemotherapy are well documented, hence the need for an adjunct antioxidant treatment during chemotherapy. This study was designed to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine on sperm quality following cyclophosphamide exposure in male Wistar rats. METHODS: wenty male Wistar rats weighing 150-170g were randomly assigned into 4 groups of five rats each, and were orally administered distilled water (Control), Cyclophosphamide (6mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (100mg/kg) or Cyclophosphamide + N-acetylcysteine for 21 days. Sperm count, histone-protamine replacement, chromatin integrity, testicular histomorphometry and BAX Protein expression were assessed using standard procedures. The data was presented as mean ± SEM and analyzed using students' t- test. A p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sperm counts were significantly reduced (p<0.05) among the cyclophosphamide (69.95±7.78 x106/ml) and cyclophosphamide + N-acetylcysteine (64.78±3.52 x106/ml) treated rats, while it increased significantly (p<0.05) in the N-acetylcysteine (132.20±28.71 x106/ml) treated rats compared to the control animals (115.30±8.70x106/ml). Increased interstitial space distance, degenerated Leydig cells and impaired histone-protamine replacement observed among the cyclophosphamide-treated rats were ameliorated in the cyclophosphamide + N-acetylcysteine-treated rats. Sperm chromatin integrity, which was poor in the cyclophosphamide-treated rats, was considerably improved when compared with the Control and the N-acetylcysteine-treated rats. Bax protein expression was reduced in the cyclophosphamide (20%) and cyclophosphamide+N-acetylcysteine (20%) groups when compared with the Control (50%) and N-acetylcysteine (50%) groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that N-acetylcysteine might improve sperm histone protamine replacement, which is one of the stage-specific effect of cyclophosphamide toxicity.

Cocos nucifera water improves metabolic functions in offspring of high fat diet fed Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Maternal high fat diet has been implicated in the aetiology of metabolic diseases in their offspring. The hypolipidaemic actions of Cocos nucifera water improve metabolic indices of dams consuming a high fat diet during gestation. This study investigated the effects of C. nucifera water on metabolism of offspring of dams exposed to high fat diet during gestation. METHODS: Four groups of pregnant Wistar rat dams (n=6) were treated orally from Gestation Day (GD) 1 to GD 21 as follows: standard rodent feed+10 mL/kg distilled water (Control), standard rodent feed+10 mL/kg C. nucifera water, high fat feed+10 mL/kg distilled water (high fat diet), and high fat feed+10 mL/kg C. nucifera water (high fat diet+C. nucifera water). The feeds were given ad libitum and all dams received standard rodent feed after parturition. Fasting blood glucose was measured in offspring before being euthanized on Postnatal Day (PND) 120. Serum insulin, leptin, lipid profile and liver enzymes were measured. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol (TC), insulin, alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in high fat diet offspring compared with controls. Similar changes were not observed in high fat diet+C. nucifera water offspring. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the adverse effects of maternal high fat diet on offspring's metabolism can be ameliorated by C. nucifera water.

Effects of Oral Maternal Administration of Caffeine on Reproductive Functions of Male Offspring of Wistar Rats.

Caffeine was investigated for its possible fetal programming effects on reproductive function of male offspring. Sixty-five pregnant Wistar rats were grouped into four. Group 1 was control and received distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated orally with 1.14, 3.42 and 5.70 mg/kg body weight of caffeine respectively. Each group was subdivided into four based on gestation days (GD) 1-7, 8-14, 15-21 and 1-21. The day of parturition was taken as postnatal day zero (0). Male offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day 70. Parameters determined were: weight at birth, body weight at postnatal day 21 and 70, anogenital distance (AGD) index, sperm parameters, reproductive organ weight, histology and hormonal profile (testosterone, FSH and LH). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance. Level of significance was taken at P<0.05. Male offspring belonging to caffeine treated dams showed dose dependent significant decreases in birth weight. Male offspring from dams treated with caffeine during GD 1-7 and GD 1-21 had a significant increase in their AGD index. Also, male offspring from dams treated with 1.14 and 5.70 mg/kg body weight of caffeine during GD 8-14 had a significant increase in AGD index. Dams treated with 3.42 mg/kg body weight of caffeine during GD 15-21, had a significant increase in the AGD index of their male offspring. The sperm motility of offspring from dams treated with 5.70 mg/kg body weight of caffeine during GD 1-7 and GD 1-21 were significantly increased. Offspring of GD 8-14 and GD 15-21 dams treated with 3.42 and 5.70 mg/kg body weight of caffeine respectively, showed significantly reduced serum testosterone level. There was a significant decrease in the weight of testes of offspring from dams treated with caffeine during GD 8-14. Histological sections of testes of offspring from caffeine treated dams showed interstitial congestions, edema, reduced germinal epithelial height and detached basal membrane. Maternal caffeine exposure during different gestational periods adversely affected birth weight and some reproductive indices in male offspring of Wistar rats.

Effects of Telfairia Occidentalis Seed Oil on Female Reproductive Functions in Wistar Rats.

The effects of T. occidentalis seed oil on some female reproductive indices were investigated in Wistar rats. The study was divided into two phases: (estrous cycle and pregnancy). Animals were grouped into four: group A received distilled water (control), groups B, C and D received 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg bw of T. occidentalis seed oil respectively. The pattern of estrous cycle was determined for three weeks before and during the treatment. Thereafter, each group was sub- divided into two. The sub-group-1 rats were mated with male breeders, the litter size and birth weight of their offsprings was determined. Sub-group-2 rats were sacrificed and histology of organs and serum levels of LH, FSH and estrogen were assayed. There was no significant difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment estrous cycle length. However, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of diestrus phase during treatment in all the experimental groups when compared with pre-treatment period but there was no significant difference in the diestrus phase when compared with the control group. Serum estrogen concentration was significantly reduced in the group that was treated with 800 mg/kg bw of T. occidentalis seed oil. Histology of the ovary and uterus in the experimental groups were similar to that of the control group. Birth weight of pups was significantly increased in the group treated with 600 mg/kg bw of T. occidentalis seed oil when compared with the control group. The results of this study suggest that T. occidentalis seed oil does not alter estrous cycle in Wistar rats.