The Effect(S) of Fresh Juice of Morinda Citrifolia Linn (Noni) on Fertility in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
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Date
2019-07
Authors
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morinda citrifolia Linn (Noni), a shrub originating in tropical Asia or Polynesia, has been
extensively used in folk medicine and has been reported to have a broad range of health benefits
including combating cancer, infection, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and pain. Noni
juice has also been proven to have a high antioxidant activity. The use of Noni is fast gaining
grounds in Ghana. Fertility in humans is very important as it ensures the continuous existence
of humans. Male infertility is estimated to be present in about 50% of infertility cases and often
results in significant psychosocial and marital stress. M. citrifolia has been linked with
increased sperm production and may be useful in the treatment and management of infertility
and associated conditions.
AIM
This research seeks to investigate the effect of fresh Morinda citrifolia L. juice on male fertility
in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Unripe M.citrifolia fruits were randomly collected, washed and rinsed thoroughly with tap
water and subsequently with distilled water. The fruits were air-dried and kept in a sterile
container for about 2-3 days to allow ripening. The ripe fruits were squeezed to produce the
fresh juice. The juice was collected, aliquoted and administered to the SD rats using a gavage
needle. Unused juice was discarded at the end of each week. A total of 60 male laboratory SD
rats were used in this study. A qualitative assessment of phytochemicals was performed on the
juice. A 14-day oral acute and 28- day sub- acute toxicity tests were conducted. After 28-days
administration of the juice, the animals were euthanized, and blood samples were taken for hematology and biochemistry tests. Serum Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating
Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone were assessed using specific rat ELISA test kits. Sperm
count and motility for each animal were also determined. The testes and epidydimis were
isolated and their relative weights determined.
RESULTS
Phytochemicals present in fresh Noni fruit juice included: flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins
alkaloids and steroids. Morinda citrifolia L did not have any significant effect (p<0.05) on
several biochemical and hematology parameters and on the rat’s vital organs, after a month of
Juice administration. Total protein and creatinine concentrations in all sub-acute treatment
groups were statistically different (p<0.05) when compared with the control group.
CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that fresh fruit juice of M. citrifolia did not have toxic effects on SD
rats. It also did not significantly alter gonadal function, sperm count or motility. The significant
decrease in serum creatinine concentration in all treatment groups suggests Noni juice can
improve kidney function.
Description
MPhil.
Keywords
Morinda Citrifolia Linn (Noni), Sprague Dawley, Rats