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Effect of Phaleria macrocarpa on Sperm Characteristics in Adult Rats
Saadat Parhizkar1, Maryam Jamielah Yusoff, Mohammad Aziz Dollah
1Medicinal Plants Research Centre, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences (YUMS), Yasuj, Iran.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) on male fertility by assessing its effect on the sperm characteristics which included the sperm count, motility, viability and morphology.
Methods:
Eighteen male rats were equally divided into three groups. Each group of rats was orally supplemented for 7 weeks either with PM aqueous extract (240 mg/kg), distilled water (0 mg/kg) or testosterone hormone, Andriol® Testocaps™ (4 mg/kg) respectively. On the last day of supplementation period, the rats were sacrificed and sperm was obtained from cauda epididymis via orchidectomy. The sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were determined.
Results:
PM aqueous extract significantly increased (p<0.05) the percentage of sperm viability. However, there was no significant effect of PM on the percentage of both sperm motility and morphology. The mean of body weight declined significantly in rats supplemented with PM aqueous extract compared to control groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
The results showed that PM significantly increased sperm viability without changing the sperm motility and morphology. Hence, this study suggests that PM offers an alternative way to improve male fertility by improving the sperm quality.
Insights
Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) extract was studied for its effects on male fertility in rats. PM significantly improved sperm viability, offering a potential natural method to enhance male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Male fertility is a critical aspect of reproductive health.
- Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) is a plant traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
- Investigating natural products for fertility enhancement is of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) on key sperm parameters in male rats.
- To assess the effects of PM on sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were divided into three groups and treated with PM aqueous extract, distilled water (control), or testosterone for 7 weeks.
- Sperm was collected from the cauda epididymis after sacrifice.
- Sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PM administration significantly increased sperm viability (p<0.05).
- No significant changes were observed in sperm motility or morphology.
- A significant decrease in body weight was noted in the PM-treated group compared to controls (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Phaleria macrocarpa (PM) enhances sperm viability without adversely affecting sperm motility or morphology.
- PM shows potential as a natural alternative for improving male fertility through enhanced sperm quality.
