Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) Boosts Fertility in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the effect of tiger nut on the fertility of male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each. Animals in group A were administered normal saline solution while those in groups B, C and D were administered 1, 2 and 4 mL/kg body weight of undiluted tiger nut  milk respectively for twenty-eight days. Administration was done 12 hourly via oral route. At the end of the administration, the rats were sacrificed after an overnight fast under diethyl ether as anesthesia. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. The internal organs were exposed. Testes and cauda epididymis were removed and kept in sterilized watched glass. Sperm quality and sex hormones were determined using standard methods. Results: Tiger nut milk produced a dose-dependent increase in sperm count and motility of animals treated when compared with those in the control group. The increase in sperm count was only significant (p<0.05) at a dose of 4 mL/kg while that of sperm motility was significant (p<0.05) at doses of 2 and 4 mL/kg body weight. A significant (p<0.05) decrease was observed in the sperm mortality of animals treated with tiger nut milk at all doses while the decrease observed in sperm abnormality was only significant (p<0.05) at a dose of 4 mL/kg when compared with those in the control group. Administration of tiger nut had no significant effect on seminal pH. Administration of tiger nut milk produced a dose-dependent increase in the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone of animals treated for 28 days. At a dose of 1 mL/kg, tiger nut milk significantly (p<0.05) decreased the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of animals when compared with those in control animals while higher doses produced no significant effect. Conclusion: It is clear from the result of this study that tiger nut possesses boosts fertility in male rats. Thus, men with fertility challenges are encouraged to consider regular consumption of tiger nut.