Effects of Increasing Aqueous Root Extract of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> on Sperm Production of Albino Rats.

Abstract

The phytochemical effects of aqueous extract of root on sperm production of White albino rats were investigated. The rats were divided into five treatment dose levels; 0 (5.0 ml saline); 5.0; 10.0; 15.0 and 20.0 mls consisting five (5) animals per treatment and administered orally for 10 days using aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera roots. The extract tested positive to alkaloid, flavonoids, saponin and cyanogenic glycosides as the active ingredient and showed negative to tannin and oxalates. The results also showed increased (p<0.05) mass activity, progressive motility, sperm concentration and semen output in the treated rats. The histological examination revealed no lesion on the testis. The findings of this study indicated that the active ingredient from Moringa oleifera could significantly increase sperm production.

Keywords: active ingredient, aqueous root extract, Moringa oleifera, phytochemical, semen output