Ameliorative effects of African walnut on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in rat model

Abstract

Objective: Walnuts is widely consumed nut by men in Nigeria and it has been connected to improving male reproductive health. This study evaluated the effect of African walnut on sperm parameters and testicular architecture of (Nicotine) NIC induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.


Methods: Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups i.e. GN0 (1ml/day normal saline and normal rat chow), GN1 (1ml/day NIC and normal rat chow), GN1W6 and GN1W12 (1ml/day of NIC daily fed with 6% and 12% walnut-rich feed) respectively. This continued for 28 days. The animals were euthanized and their sperm was collected and its parameters were analyzed. The testis was harvested and prepared for histological examination.


Result: NIC significantly reduced sperm motility (p=0.0006) and sperm count (p=0.0001), induced mild apoptosis of leydig cells and caused moderate spermatogenic arrest in GN1. However, walnut supplemented diet significantly increased the NIC-induced reduction in sperm motility (p=0.04) and sperm count (p=0.0001) and its consumption was effective in attenuating testicular damage caused by NIC administration in GN1W6 and GN1W12.


Conclusion: African walnut could exert therapeutic effect in the reduction of the adverse effect of NIC on the sperm motility, sperm count and testicular architecture. It is worthwhile to consider it as a useful and affordable supplement to be added to the diet of males with infertility problems.

Keywords:

Juglans nicotine oxidative stress testis tobacco
Ikwuka, D. C., Anyaehie, B. U., Nwobodo, E., Umegbolu, E. I., & Nworgu, C. C. (2020). Ameliorative effects of African walnut on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in rat model. International Journal of Health Sciences, 15(1), 3–8. Retrieved from https://pub.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/5176
Copyright and license info is not available

Author Biographies

David Chibuike Ikwuka, Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria

Department of Human Physiology- Lecturer

Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, Department of Physiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

Department of Physiology- Professor

Ed Nwobodo, Department of Human Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria

Department of Human Physiology- Professor

Most read articles by the same author(s)