ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed at investigating the effect of high sucrose diet on male reproductive function and if Nigerian honey could exert a protective role. Methods: Twenty-four (24) rats were randomly divided into four equal groups of six animals and given water (control); honey (H); high sucrose solution (30%w/v) (HSS); and both high sucrose solution (30%w/v) and honey (HSS+H). Each rat on honey received a daily dose of 10ml honey/kg/5ml of distilled water. Food intake, body weight, organ weight, fasting blood glucose, LH, FSH, testosterone and sperm functions were assessed. Results: This revealed that sperm motility (p<0.05) and count increased in the HSS+ H and H- fed rats compared with HSS fed and control rats. Head and tail abnormalities sperm were also significantly reduced in the H fed rats (p<0.05).MDA level in the liver and not in the testes was significantly increased in the HSS fed rats compared with control while SOD activity was significantly increased in HSS+H rats compared with the HSS fed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that sucrose feeding impact negatively on sperm function while Nigerian honey supplementation confers protective function on male reproduction.
ABSTRACT
The haematological, lipid, and antioxidant effects of Parquetina nigrescens (PN) were investigated. 40 male wistar rats were grouped into 4 of 10 rats each. Group A: control; administered 10ml/kg of normal saline. The other groups were administered extract viz: Group B- 50mg/kg, Group C- 100mg/kg, Group D- 150mg/kg. After 21days, blood samples were collected for different analysis. The results revealed decreased WBC count at 50 mg/kg &100mg/kg doses (p<0.05), significant increase in RBC, PCV, & haemoglobin levels (p<0.05) at 50mg/kg dose. There was also significant increase (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (TC), LDL with no change in high density lipoprotein (HDL) at 100mg/kg dose while there was significant increase in the mean TC, TG, LDL as well as HDL at 150mg/kg doses. There was also significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of SOD activity at 100mg/kg dose and a significant reduction in the GPx activity (p <0.05) at 50mg/kg & 100mg/kg dose groups. The observations from this study reveal that PN possesses erythropoietic potentials at minimal dose which lends support to its folkric use in the treatment of anaemia. It could also serve as a free radical scavenger as it possesses antioxidant activities. However caution should be taken in its use as it has potentials to increase LDL.