Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: September | Volume: 13 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 194-200
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230928
Evaluation of the Hepatotoxic Effect of some Commonly Sold Male Herbal Fertility Supplements in Port Harcourt on Male Albino Rats
Arit Okechukwu Nwogu1, Davies G. Tamuno-Emine1, Adline E. Ben-Chioma1, Ebirien-Agana Samuel Bartimaeus1
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
Corresponding Author: Arit Okechukwu Nwogu
ABSTRACT
Infertility is one of the most challenging social problems facing developed and undeveloped nations. The liver is the primary organ involved in the bio-transformation of food and drugs as such hepatic disorders is common especially following prolonged exposure to drug metabolites. This study evaluated the hepatotoxic effect of three different male herbal fertility supplements (Libron Herbal, Mascum Herbal Pride and Energy 3000) in male albino rats. Doses of 9 mg/kg, 18 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of lead acetate were administered for three weeks to determine the concentration that would bring about the lowest sperm concentration. Sixty (60) mg/kg gave the lowest sperm concentration and testosterone levels. Eighty (80) male rats weighing 150 – 250 g were divided into five groups, twenty in a group: A (negative control), B (positive control), C (Libron-treated, LT), D (Mascum-treated, MT) and E (Energy 3000-treated, ET). The rats in the treatment groups were administered 60 mg/kg of lead acetate for three weeks before treatment with the various herbal supplements for eight weeks. After every two weeks, four rats from each group were anaesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. Liver aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total protein and albumin were determined using colorimetric method. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23 and results were considered significant at P < 0.05. At week 2, mean value for AST in Mascum group was significantly (P = 0.086) higher than in all the other groups. Mean value for ALT in Energy 3000 treated group was seen to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the other groups (P =0.055). There was no significant (P < 0.05) difference in the mean values of AST, ALT and total protein in all the groups. As the week progressed, mean value of AST in the positive control group was significantly (P < 0.05) different from the other groups but not significantly (P < 0.05) different from the Mascum treated group. Total protein in the positive control group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in all the other groups. Mean values for albumin (P<0.001) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the negative control but not significantly (P < 0.05) different from all the three herbal supplements. Prolonged exposure to some herbal supplements can bring about inflammation of the liver enzymes.
Key words: Male Infertility, Hepatotoxic, Herbal supplements.