International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2016): 79.57 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 7 Issue 3, March 2018 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Effect of the hydromethanolic Extract of the Pulp of Garcinia kola Seed on Fertility Indices of Male Wistar Rats Chibuike Obiandu, Ologhaguo Adienbo Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria Correspondence to: (email address: chibuikeobiandu [at]yahoo.com) Abstract: The incidence of infertility is on the increase, globally. However, the largest burden exist in Africa where it is still posing a major challenge in the reproductive health of couples. Male related factors also play a significant role in the incidence of infertility among couples. This study was done to investigate the effects of the pulp of Garcinia kola seed on fertility of male wistar rats. Male wistar rats were divided into three (3) groups of eight (8) rats each. Group one (1) which served as control received distilled water. Group two (2) and group three (3) were treated with 100mg/kg bw and 200mg/kg bw of the hydromethanolic (1:4) extract of the pulp of Garcinia kola seed respectively. This design was used in each case, for the sperm quality and hormonal studies which lasted for 58 and 60 days respectively. The results obtained showed that the extract caused significant increase in the serum levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, testicular weight as well as the percentage of actively motile cells and sperm count. This study proved that, the pulp of Garcinia kola possesses fertility enhancing effects in male wistar rats. Keywords: Pulp, Garcinia kola, hydromethanolic, wistar rats, fertility 1. Introduction The inability of couples to reproduce has increased to the extent that it has become a social and public health concern globally [1, 2]. It is estimated that approximately 5–8% of couples suffer from infertility at some point in their reproductive lives and it is considered to be a major problem associated with reproductive health in sub- saharan Africa [3]. Available evidence shows that, the highest burden of infertility is concentrated in Africa where 10.1% of couples on the average were reported to experience infertility, with as high as 32% in some countries and ethnic groups [3]. Indeed in Africa and some other developing countries, the inability to bear children is a tragedy for many couples. The failure to bear offsprings could be due to a problem of the male. Male factor infertility is indeed, very common and even on the increase worldwide, constituting a source of global concern [4, 5, 6]. Male Infertility may result from the failure of the pituitary gland to secrete the gonadotrophin hormones [Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH)] which could lead to a disruption of testicular function. These hormones, in addition to Testosterone (TET) are important hormones that influence male fertility and reproduction [7]. Furthermore, decreased levels of TET and FSH were reportedly implicated as cause for reduced spermatogenic activities, infertility and reproductive toxicity [8-9]. There are various treatment options for male infertility. However, in Africa and many developing countries, there is still a high dependence on plant sources as medicine in treating the sick [10]. Some medicinal plant extracts including Titonia diversifolia [11] have been investigated and found to improve male fertility. Garcinia kola [GK] plant which is largely distributed throughout West and Central Africa, Asia and Europe [12-14], is highly valued for its medicinal attributes [15-16]. In African traditional medicine, the nut- like seed of the plant which consist of a yellow pulp and brown coat is said to be of immense therapeutic benefits [5, 17-18] and therefore, applied in treatment of various ailments like diabetes [19] and guinea worm infestations [20]. Although, studies have been carried out to investigate the effects of Garcinia kola on male fertility indices, the findings are at variance. Garcinia kola was reported to cause significant increase in gonadotrophins and non significant changes in TET and sperm count [21]; whereas, in a similar study, it caused non significant change in the gonadotropins but a significant increase in the level of TET and sperm count [22]. The studies were carried out using the pulp of Garcinia kola seed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the pulp of Garcinia kola seed on the physiological indices of male fertility. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Animal models Male wistar rats which weighed between 120g-150g at the beginning of experiment, were sourced from the animal house of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt. The rats used in the study were randomly selected and allowed two (2) weeks to acclimatize. They were given free access to feeds (Top feeds Nigeria Limited) and water while housed in clean cages. They were exposed to standard conditions and temperature of 25 o C – 30 o C and 12h light and 12 h dark schedules. The cages were cleaned and their beddings, water and feeds were changed on daily basis throughout the period of the experiment. Generally, the study was carried out in conformity with the recommendations in the care and use of laboratory animals by the American Physiological Society [23] Paper ID: 5031801 DOI: 10.21275/5031801 803