ABSTRACT
@#Propolis is a resinous product collected by honey bees for construction of hives. It is locally used as remedy for several ailments including various degrees of sexual dysfunctions. This study investigated the protective property of propolis in improving sperm quality in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male Wistar rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats each. Groups I (normal saline), II (administered paroxetine only for two weeks), III (Sildenafil), IV (low dose propolis), V (moderate dose propolis), VI (high dose propolis), and group VII (propolis+sildenafil). There was significant (p< 0.05) increase in sperm count in group VI, no significant (p>0.05) change in sperm count of group VII, but significant decrease in the other groups compared to control. There was significant (p< 0.05) reduction in sperm motility of rats in groups II, III, and IV, compared to significant (p< 0.05) increase in sperm motility of rats in groups VI and VII, but there was no significant (p>0.05) change in group V. The total sperm abnormality in groups II, III and IV showed significant (p<0.05) increase, while there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in sperm abnormality of groups VI and VII compared to control, and no significant (p>0.05) difference seen in group V. The plasma testosterone levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in groups II, III and IV, compared to significant (p< 0.05) increase in plasma testosterone level in groups VI and VII, but no significant (p> 0.05) difference in plasma testosterone in group V. The results indicate that high doses of propolis caused significant increase in plasma testosterone, and there was improvement in sperm count and motility as was obtained by the analysis of seminal fluid (SFA).