Moderate doses of Mucuna pruriens seed powder is safe and improves sperm count and motility

Abstract

Background: Conventional remediation techniques involving male fertility include hormonal therapy, in vitro fertilization and surgery. However, the use of natural products continues to be a popular option. Emerging new products that have not been well investigated is the use of Mucuna pruriens seed powder. Aim: This study aimed at determining the efficacy and safety of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed powder on the male fertility using normal animal models. Methodology: Four groups of seven (7) male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Groups comprised Control (distilled water), Low dose (500 mg/kg b.wt MP), Medium dose (1000 mg/kg b.wt MP) and high dose (2000 mg/kg b.wt MP). Test groups were administered aqueous crude extract of MP by gavage over 90 days. Upon sacrifice, the following assays were performed: FSH, testosterone, oestrogen, PSA, semen analyses, histology of reproductive organs, and general haematological and biochemical analyses. Results: FSH increased, whilst oestrogen decreased, across groups: however, it was not statistically significant between groups. Although testosterone increases were not statistically significant, increases were dose dependant. Sperm count increased significantly between the Control and Medium dose groups (p<0.001). Motility significantly increased with the Medium and High dose groups compared to Control group (p = 0.022, p = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, immotility significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to control group (p = 0.013). No abnormality was observed in biochemical, haematological and histological analyses. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a margin of safety and improved spermogram pattern between the low and medium dose administration of Mucuna pruriens seed powder.