ABSTRACT
Polyherbal remedies are one of the amalgams that can be used to treat and enhance sperm parameters (sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of polyherbal-formulated teas (Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Moringa oleifera) on sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability. Twenty male albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 4 rats in each group. Group 1 received distilled water; groups 2 received 20 mg/kg carbamazepine, group 3 receive 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate, and group 4 and 5 received 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg of an aqueous extract of polyherbal tea, respectively, orally for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed using euthanasia method, and the epididymis was isolated into a Petri dish containing 1 ml of phosphate buffer. Sperm count, motility, and viability were analyzed. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and malondialdehyde were analyzed from testes tissue homogenate. It was found that the polyherbal tea (5 and 10 mg/kg) and Sildenafil at 5 mg/kg raised the number of sperm (P<0.05) compared to the water control and carbamazepine. When compared to carbamazepine, the polyherbal tea (5 and 10 mg/kg) and Sildenafil at 5 mg/kg slowed down non-progressive sperm motility and sped up progressive sperm motility (P<0.05). When compared with carbamazepine, polyherbal tea at 5 and 10 mg/kg reduced (P<0.05) the immotile sperm. When compared with water and carbamazepine, polyherbal tea at 10 mg/kg increases (P<0.05) the viable sperm. When compared with water and carbamazepine, polyherbal tea at 5 and 10 mg/kg increases (P< 0.05) superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. When compared with carbamazepine, the polyherbal-formulated tea (5 and 10 mg/kg) and Sildenafil at 5 mg/kg reduced malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05). The tea has no effect on glutathione. In conclusion, an aqueous extract of polyherbal-formulated tea increases sperm count, sperm motility, viable sperm, and reduces immotile sperm. The tea possesses antioxidant properties.
