Research Article

Spermatogenic and Androgenic Potential of Nephrolepis biserrata on Testosterone- Propionate Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Infertility is one of the most serious and growing problems in the world. Numerous external and internal factors can lead to male infertility. Although a basal level of free radicals produced is essential for sperm capacitation, hyperactivation and sperm-oocyte fusion, their overproduction can cause sperm damage by overcoming the antioxidant defense system. This condition is a common place in testosterone propionate induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nephrolepis biserrata possesses pro-infertility properties that can be exploited in management and promotion of fertility health of BPH patients. This study aims to study the effect of Nephrolepis biserrata on the fertility indices of testosterone-propionate induced BPH in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly placed in sixteen groups normal control, three groups treated with TP for 11, 22 and 33 days. Another 3 groups treated with TP for 11, 22 and 33 days and thereafter administered with 5mg/kg b.wt of Finasteride and 1mg/kg b.wt of Doxazosin. 9 groups were administered with 100mg/kg b.wt, 200mg/kg b.wt and 300mg/kg b.wt of the plant extract for 11, 22 and 33 days after TP induction. The hormonal assay was determined by colorimetric method using ELISA kit microplate and semen analysis was done by microscopic assessment. N.biserrata. extract significantly decreased the prostate weight and prostatic index in rats with TP-induced BPH. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of testosterone for the extract treated groups showed a marked increase at p < 0.05 in comparison to the BPH group. The extract treated groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total sperm count when compared to the BPH groups. From the results of the current study, it could be said that N.biserrata. enhanced the spermatogenic and androgenic functions in testosterone propionate induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. Hence it could be advanced as a pro-fertility agent for men with infertility condition resulting from BPH.

Keywords: Testosterone propionate, Nephrolepis biserrata, Prostate gland, Prostatic Index, Semen analysis. Testosterone, Follicle  Stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone.

Cite as: E.H. Ogheneochuko, M.C. Chinazo, and P.D. Emmanuel. Spermatogenic and Androgenic Potential of Nephrolepis biserrata on Testosterone- Propionate Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Male Wistar Rats. Journal of Applied Health Sciences and Medicine, 4(10):21-37, 2024. https://doi.org/10.58614/jahsm4104