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Effects of Cucumis metuliferus E Mey. Ex Naud (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract on some male reproductive parameters in adult rats

Noel N. Wannang¹*, Nanloh S. Jimam¹, Steven S. Gyang¹, Bukata B. Bukar¹ and  Saleh Gotom²

¹Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.

²Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail:nnwannang1@yahoo.com. +234 – (0) – 803 – 787 – 7988;

Accepted 25 March 2008

   Abstract

The effect of the extract of Cucumis metuliferus fruit on some male reproductive parameters was investigated in albino rats. The LD₅₀ of the extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Histological studies showed that there was no remarkable change in the testes histology compare to the control. The effects on sperm cells showed a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in total sperm count with an insignificant (P>0.05) increase in viability count in rats treated with 500 mg/kg dose point. On the other hand, 1000 mg/kg dose point produced significant (P<0.05) decrease in total sperm count and viability count compare to control. This result suggests that C. metuliferus fruit extracts could be beneficial in increasing sperm/semen integrity.

Key words: Cucumis metuliferus, sperm count, sperm viability count, testes, male adult rats.