Membrane stabilization and andro-spermatogenic potential of standardized fraction of <em>Cyperus esculentus </em> L.

Abstract

This study evaluated the membrane stabilising and aphrodisiac potentials of <em>Cyperus esculentus </em> L. in male rats. The membrane stabilization effect of the fraction was demonstrated against rat erythrocytes. For the aphrodisiac study, rats were randomized into five groups with animals in group 1 given sterile placebo and served as control. While rats in group 2 received 7.14 mg/kg of Powmax M, animals in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given 15, 30 and 50 mg/kg of <em> Cyperus esculentus</em>, respectively. Administrations were done once daily for 4 weeks via oral intubation and their testicular parameters were thereafter determined. Significant improvements were observed on the testes-body weight ratio, quality and viability of sperm cells as well as testicular concentrations of proteins, cholesterol, glycogen, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone following treatment with the fraction. The fraction also had respective membrane stabilization capabilities of 89.25 and 85.71 % on rat erythrocytes against hypotonic solution and heat-induced hemolysis. The data presented in this study have justified <em>Cyperus esculentus</em> as a rich source that could be potentially useful for the development of aphrodisiac drugs and also lent credence to its significance in the traditional system of medicine.