title: Aqueous seed extract of Cola nitida rubra reduces serum reproductive hormone concentrations and sperm count in adult male albino Wistar rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Following the high rate of consumption of Cola nitida (cola nut) among the male population in Nigeria, this study seeks to determine the effects of consumption of Cola nitida on serum reproductive hormones and sperm count, which are major determinants of male fertility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two male albino wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were used for this study and were divided into 4 groups of eight animals each. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received 2 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 1), group 3 received 6 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 2) and group 4 received 10 mg/kg Cola nitida extract (Test 3). After 6 weeks of treatment, reproductive hormonal assay was carried out using the rat serum. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected and sperm count determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in test 2 and 3, compared with control. Sperm count was significantly lower in test group 1 (P < 0.05), 2 (P < 0.001) and 3 (P < 0.001) compared with control, with test 3 significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with test 1. There was no significant difference in testicular and epididymis weight in the different experimental groups studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aqueous seed extract of Cola nitida rubra resulted in reduced serum reproductive hormone concentrations and sperm count in male wistar rats, and may therefore be detrimental to reproductive health, hence the need for regulation of its consumption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
authors.forename: I O
authors.initials: IO
authors.lastname: Umoh
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Madona University, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Emmanuel
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
authors.forename: V U
authors.initials: VU
authors.lastname: Nna
keywords: Cola nitida; luteinizing hormone; sperm count; testosterone