Effects of methanoic seed extracts of Mucuna sloanei on male sex hormones and sperm quality in rats

This work was done to investigate the effects of methanoic seed extract of Mucuna sloaneion male sex hormones and semen quality on albino wistar rats. Thirty two male albino wistar rats weighing between 115 to 230 g were used, they were grouped into 4 of 8 rats each. Group i (control) received distilled water and normal rat chow. While test groups ii, iii, and iv received 100, 200 and 400 mg of the extract per kilogram body weight respectively for 30 days. Blood samples were collected from four animals per group and assayed for the following sex hormones: Lutuenizing hormone (LH), Prolactin (PLT), oestrogen, Progesterone and testosterone. Semen from the epididymis was analyzed for sperm count, sperm motility and morphology. Results showed statistically significant increase in the serum levels of testosterone and LH in test groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). The result also showed a dose dependent increase in sperm count in the test groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, methanoic seed extract of m. sloanei has significant positive effects on some male sex hormones and sperm count.