Fertility enhancing effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Lophira lanceolata in male Spargue dawley rats

E. U. Etuk* and A. A. Muhammad

Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: etuk2005@yahoo.co.uk.

Accepted 1 September, 2009

   Abstract

Lophira lanceolata stem bark extract is commonly used by herbalists in Sokoto state for the treatment of fertility related problems in males. Recently the sexual stimulatory effect of the plant in male rats has been reported. The present study examined the effect of 7 days oral administration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of the plant stem bark extract on fertility indices (Sperm motility, Sperm number and Sperm morphology) in male Sprague dawley rats. The extract produced a significant and dose dependent increase (p < 0.05) in the sperm number of the rats. There was no significant change in the sperm motility and morphology. There was a decrease in the blood level of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) but no significant increase in the levels of Leutinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone. Testicular histology examination revealed increased spermatogenesis. L. lanceolata may have the potentials of being developed into a male fertility enhancing drug.

Key words: Lophira lanceolata, fertility enhancer, sperm number, testes.