Pharmacological Effects of Methanol Extract of Garcinia Kola (Heckel) Seed on the Reproductive Profiles of Some Male Experimental Animals

ABSTRACT

Garcinia kola is commonly consumed in Nigeria in social ceremonies and for leisure purposes. It is speculated to enhance sexual performance in males. The effects of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola seed on the male reproductive profiles of rats were determined at oral doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 20 and 60 days respectively. The animals were administered the extract orally for either 20 or 60 days after which analysis of the parameters were carried out using known standard procedures. The acute toxicity test revealed that the LD50 of the methanolic extract is 3125 ± 52.68 mg/. The extract caused significant increase in luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (P0.05). However, at 500 mg/kg there was decreased in the parameters especially in groups treated for 60 days. The results show that the extract did not significantly decrease sperm concentration and motility (slow progression). However, there was a significant decrease in rapid progression at all dose levels for both durations of treatment. Similarly there was no significant increase in death of sperm cells in treated groups compared to control (P>0.05). Results of the histological examinations of the testes, epididymis anterior pituitary and liver showed that the extract caused no visible serious morphological alterations on cells in rats treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg. The extract caused significant increase in testicular weights of rats in a dose-dependent manner (P