Evaluation of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> (L) Aqueous Seed Extracts on Aphrodisiac, Gonadal and Epididymal Sperm Reserves of Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera (L) aqueous seed extract on aphrodisiac, gonadal and
epididymal sperm reserves of Wistar rats. Twenty-five male and fifteen female Wistar rats aged two months weighing 150 –
200 g were purchased and housed in cages at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The Wistar
rats were provided with a 12 hours light and dark cycle, fed with pellets of broiler starter and drinking water were provided ad
libitum. The rats were acclimatized for 14 days and they were randomly divided into 5 groups A, B, C, D and E. Group B, C
and D as treatment groups, whereas, group A and E were negative and positive controls, respectively, with 5 rats in each group
and each was kept singly in separate cage. Groups A and E received 1 ml of distilled water and 5 mg of sildenafil citrate orally
respectively. Groups B, C and D received suspension of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract orally at the dose rate 100, 200
and 300 mg/kg respectively, between 9:00 - 10:00 am daily for 21 days. Female rats were paired with males at a ratio of 1:1,
and mating behaviour recorded. Group C and E male rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mounting frequency (MF),
respectively. Intromission frequency (IF) was significantly (p < 0.05) increase in group C and E, respectively. Gonadal and
epididymal sperm reserves were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the M. oleifera treated and control groups.

Keywords: Aphrodisiac: Gonadal sperm reserves: Moringa oleifera aqueous seeds extract; Fertility