Authors : K.O. Oyedeji, A.F. Bolarinwa and A.A. Adedeji
Abstract: Cola nitida (Kola nut) is a caffeine-containing nut native to tropical North African and cultivated extensively in the new world tropics. Several studies have reported its effects on body weight and reduction in body fat without undesirable side effect as well as on gastric secretion but there is a dearth of information on its effect on reproduction. This study was designed to investigate the effect of its aqueous extract on reproductive parameters in male albino rats. Aqueous Extract of Cola nitida designated as AECON was prepared using cold maceration. The extract was administered for 30 days for andrological study. Distilled water (0.5 mL) served as the control. Plasma testosterone levels were assayed using ELISA and semen analysis was done microscopically, histology of the testis was done. Data was analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Treatment of rats with all doses of AECON caused significant decrease in testosterone levels, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm count relative to the control but there was no significant change in sperm morphology. The testicular histopathological study revealed that there was moderate to severe necrosis with the dissolution of numerous seminiferous tubules in testis.
K.O. Oyedeji, A.F. Bolarinwa and A.A. Adedeji, 2012. Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cola nitida (Kola Nut) on Reproductive Functions in Male Albino Rats. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 6: 281-285.