Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as dates, has been recognized for its various health benefits, including its potential effects on reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Phoenix dactylifera on the reproductive organs and hormonal profiles of male Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups control group, low-dose Phoenix dactylifera group, and high-dose Phoenix dactylifera group. The rats in the treatment groups received Phoenix dactylifera extract orally for 8 weeks, while the control group received only the vehicle. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanized, and their reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, and prostate) were collected and weighed. Histological analysis was performed to assess any morphological changes in the reproductive organs. Additionally, blood samples were collected to evaluate the hormonal profiles, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The results showed that the administration of Phoenix dactylifera did not significantly affect the relative weights of the testes, epididymis, and prostate compared to the control group. However, histological analysis revealed some changes in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, including an increase in the number of spermatogenic cells in the treatment groups. Furthermore, the hormonal profiles of the rats were altered following Phoenix dactylifera administration. Both low and high doses of Phoenix dactylifera significantly increased testosterone levels compared to the control group. In contrast, there were no significant changes in LH and FSH levels between the treatment and control groups. Overall, the findings suggest that Phoenix dactylifera may have potential effects on the reproductive organs and hormonal profiles of male rats. The increase in testosterone levels and the morphological changes observed in the testes indicate a possible influence on spermatogenesis. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects of Phoenix dactylifera on male reproductive health.

Thesis Overview

Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm) belongs to the family Arecaceae and its leaves, barks, pits, fruits and pollens have anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, steroids, flavonoid, saponins and simple sugars.The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of dry date palm fruit on some reproductive organs and hormonal profiles of male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I serve as the control and received distilled water while three (3) experimental groups (II, III and IV) were treated with aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera at250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight respectively orogastrically once daily for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the Wistar rats were sacrificed using cervical dislocation andblood samples were collectedthrough cardiac puncture for hormonal assay [testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)]. Semen were collected from right epididymis and counted; smears were made and stained with cresyl violent and fuelgen stain for sperm morphology.The testes, left epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate glands were dissected, weighed and processed for light microscopic study;Morphometric analysis wasperformed to measure seminiferous tubular diameter, size of interstices and epididymal epithelial thickness.The result showed significant decrease in serum testosterone levels,sperm count, sperm motility and spermmorphology with decrease in size of interstices and epididymal epithelial thickness, distortion of spermatogenic cells, epididymal epithelium and prostate gland with degeneration of Leydig cells in rats treated with Phoenix dactylifera extract as compared to that of the controlat P≤0.05with no effect on FSH and LH. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of dry date palm fruit have the potentials of causing infertility in male Wistar rats by affecting Leydig cells, thereby decreasing serum testosterone levels, sperm count, motility and morphology.