Tetracarpidium conophorium and Ascorbic Acid Enhances Some Serum Reproductive Hormone Concentrations in Cimetidine and Citrus aurantifolia Treated Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aims: This study aims to comparatively investigate the effects of Cimetidine, Ascorbic acid (Vit C), Citrus aurantifolia and Tetracarpidium conophorium on male fertility hormones in adult male albino Wistar rats.

Study Design: 96 Albino rats randomly assigned into 6 groups (A – F), the first 4 groups (A – D) further sub-divided into 3 Subgroups of 6 rats each and the last 2 groups (E –F), sub-divided into 2 Subgroups of 6 rats each.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Clinical pharmacology Animal house, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Methodology: Group A – D had sub-groups1 as control groups, sub-group2 and 3 as experimental groups which received medium and high doses of Cimetidine, Vit C, Citrus aurantifolia and Tetracarpidium conophorium respectively, while Groups E – F also had Control sub-groups and experimental sub-groups treated with medium doses of Cimetidine and Vit C, Citrus aurantifolia and T. conophorium respectively. Treatment was performed daily for 21 days; serum reproductive hormonal assay was carried out.

Results: Vit C significantly (P<0.05) increased follicle stimulating hormone levels in Vit C high dose sub-group3 compared to control and Vit C low dose sub-group2, significantly (P<0.05) increased testosterone serum levels in Vit C low dose sub-group2 and Vit C high dose sub-group3 compared to control, also significantly (P<0.05) decreased Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in Vit C low dose group compared to control. Combination treatment of Cimetidine and Vit C significantly (P<0.05) increased follicle stimulating hormone levels when compared to control, also significantly (P<0.05) decreased LH levels in sub-group2 compared to control. Combination treatment of Citrus aurantifolia and T. conophorium significantly (P<0.05) increased follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone levels when compared to control.

Conclusion: Vitamin C and T. conophorium can boost fertility. Citrus aurantifolia at high doses affects fertility negatively having a mild effect at medium doses.