Male reproductive enhancing activity of mucuna pruriens linn. seed extract in wnin/gr-ob obese rats – An infertile obese mutant rat model with prediabetes

Aim of the study: Mucuna pruriens is often used in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac and to improve male reproductive functions. Since systematic study on these aspects are few and far in between, we studied its androgenic effect on an established obese mutant rat model at our centre, which is obese and infertile. Materials and Methods: 18 obese male rats with their corresponding 18 lean littermates were taken and divided in to three groups and were fed with the herbal seed extract at two different dose levels. Blood samples were collected from control and experimental rats to measure hormones like testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin. Levator ani (LA) muscle weight and complete semen analysis, gonadial index and testis histology were investigated. Results: Testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin hormone levels showed significant increase in experimental rats compared to controls. The LA muscle weight significantly increased and also sperm count and motility as well, in treated rats. The testis histology of experimental rats showed significant improvement in the architecture with densely packed spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Conclusions: M. pruriens ethanolic seed extract has definite positive effect on male reproductive functions in terms of hormone profile, organs weights, semen quality and quantity.