Effect of sapogenin extract on anti-infertility induced by aluminium chloride in male rats

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca has been reported to be important saponins. Therefore, this study aimed at elucidating the protective effects of B. aegyptiaca sapogenin extract (BASE) against infertility caused by aluminium chloride in male rats. The first group served as control (NC). Group 2 received AlCl3 (34 mg/kg bw) (1/25 LD₅₀) (PC). Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw) plus BASE at different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw) for 70 days. Luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, sperm motility, sperm count (testicular and epididymal), daily sperm production, fructose in semen, semen quality and glucose were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. While, concentration of total cholesterol, sAST, sALT, urea and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rats treated with AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw) plus BASE at levels 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw compared to PC. Also, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sperm transit rate (day) were decreased in rats treated with AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw) plus BASE at levels 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw compared to PC. The results obtained indicated that using 100 mg/kg bw of BASE was more beneficial than using 25 and 50 mg/kg bw for protection from infertility in male rats. It could be recommended to use BASE as natural source against infertility caused by AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bw) and effectiveness of doses used to 100 mg/kg bw.

Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca, sapogenin extract, anti-infertility, aluminium chloride, testosterone, sperm motility, fructose in semen.