Tiger nut: Antidote for alcohol-induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have implicated alcohol consumption as a factor leading to male infertility. Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) on the other hand, have been shown to possess the potential to boost male reproductive indices. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of tiger nuts on alcohol-induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (160g averagely) were divided into six groups (A-F) (n=5). Group A (Control) received distilled water only; Group B (Tiger nut alone) received 1.8 g/kg body weight (BW) tiger nut; Groups C-F received 1 ml of 30% v/v alcohol three times weekly but groups C-E, also, received varied doses of tiger nut (0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 g/kg) (low, medium and high doses, respectively). All administrations were by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Serum was obtained and assayed for FSH, LH, and testosterone. Sperm was analyzed for semen parameters, and vitamins C and E contents. The testes were analyzed for antioxidants and histomorphology. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in body and testicular weights, semen characteristics with altered contents of vitamins C and E, hormone profiles, and testicular morphology in alcohol-exposed rats when compared with the control animals. However, the administration of tiger nuts improved the testicular architecture, semen parameters, and antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with tiger nuts following alcohol administration produces a reversal of the deleterious effect of alcohol on the testis in a dose-dependent manner.

Quinine inhibits ovulation and produces oxidative stress in the ovary of cyclic Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Quinine has been reported to possess anti-spermatogenic activities. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine the effect of quinine on ovarian function in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Twenty rats with regular 4-days oestrous cycle divided into 4 groups (N=5) were used. Group I received quinine at 30 mg/kg body weight by gavage for 28 days after which they were sacrificed. The ovaries were excised for biochemical oxidation of glutathione peroxidase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA). Group II received single dose quinine at 30 mg/kg body weight at 0900 hrs on day of proestrus. Blood was obtained at 1800 hrs for hormonal assay of FSH and LH. The animals were sacrificed the next morning on estrus: oviducts were examined for ova count. Groups III and IV served as controls. RESULTS: Quinine treated rats recorded zero number of ova compared to control. Serum concentration of LH reduced significantly in the quinine treated group compared to the control. Furthermore, quinine significantly decreased the oxidant status of GSH, SOD and catalase and significantly increased MDA levels in the ovary compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Quinine completely blocks ovulation, suppresses LH surge, and produces oxidative stress in the ovary.