Ameliorative Effect of Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Fruit Pulp on Sodium Fluoride Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Wistar Rats
[Thesis]
Usman, Lutfat Abimbola
Ajani, Emmanuel O.
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
2019
104
M.S.
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
2019
Infertility is a highly stigmatized emotional problem to couples or individuals who are unable to conceive. Due to the increased depression and stigmatization of the infertile individuals and relatively expensive cost of the available fertility inducing practices and drugs, this study was conducted to investigate the prophylactic and ameliorative effect of the ethanolic fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica on sodium fluoride induced reproductive dysfunction in Wistar rats. Tamarindus indica fruit pulp was extracted in ethanol by maceration with double filtration with cotton wool plug and Whatmann filter paper respectively. The filterate obtained was thereafter dried in the oven at 60°C until a constant weight was obtained. Seventy rats of both sexes weighing 120 ± 5 g were used for the study and eighteen rats of both sexes were used for the acute toxicity study. Seven days after the acute toxicity study, the rats were randomized into seven groups of ten rats each (both sexes in equal proportions). Group 1 was placed on normal saline (placebo) throughout the period of the experiment. Group 2 and 3 were first placed on 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract respectively for 4 weeks followed by 45 days concomitant oral administration of 20 mg/kg NaF. Group 4, 5 and 6 were initially administered continuously with 20 mg/kg NaF for 45 days followed by 4 weeks of administration of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract and 50mg/kg clomid respectively. All administration were carried out as a single diurnal dose using an oral intubator. After the treatment period, all the rats were euthanized in a closed jar containing chloroform. Blood was then withdrawn from all the rats by jugular puncture into plain bottles. The rats were thereafter sacrificed and the testes, cauda epididymis, and uterus were harvested and used for biochemical analysis. There was no observable adverse effect at a dose of 5000 mg/kg Tamarindus indica extract. The hormonal assay, oxidative stress biomarkers and sperm function indices indicated that rats placed on 400 mg/kg extract (prophylactic and treatment groups) showed a significant increase (p< 0.05) in sperm count, leutinizing hormone (male), testosterone, oestrogen and reduced glutathione (male) and a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in follicle stimulating hormone (male), leutinizing hormone (female), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione (female). The sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, follicle stimulating hormone (male), progesterone, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde of the extract treated rats (at 400 mg/kg) compared favorably with the controls and also with the 200 mg/kg extract prophylactic and treatment groups. The histopathological analysis showed the presence of large interstitial space in the seminiferous tubules of the testes of rats in groups 2, 3, 6 and 7; and a relatively normal histomorphological representation for groups 1, 4 and 5. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic fruit pulp extract showed the presence of tannins and steroids only. The administration of the fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica in this study was found to have both prophylactic and ameliorative effect on sodium fluoride induced reproductive dysfunction in Wistar rats as evidenced by the hormonal, oxidative stress, histopathology and sperm function indices results. The most remarkable effects were observed with the 400 mg/kg extract (prophylactic and treated) groups when compared with the control groups. Thus, the administration of the fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight could be used as an alternative to conventional drugs and practices in the management of infertility.