Toxicological evaluation of a Nigeria-made polyherbal product on selected reproductive functions in adult male Wistar rats

Oluwaseyi Adegoke Adetunji 1, *, Oluwafunmilola Christiana Adetunji 1, Grace Aimalohi Agbebaku-Izobo 1, Gogonte Hezekiah Amah 1, Opeyemi Adebola Adetunji 2, Adeola Mariam Sonuga 1 Babafemi Tosin Ogunbiyi 1 and Modupe Olusola Adetayo 1

1 Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021, 11(03), 001–008
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2021.11.3.0410
 
Publication history: 
Received on 25 July 2021; revised on 28 August 2021; accepted on 30 August 2021
 
Abstract: 
Ruzu bitters black for men (RBBM) is a polyherbal product widely used amongst men in Nigeria to enhance libido, rejuvenate male organs and to manage erectile dysfunctions, prostate anomalies, weak erection, and premature ejaculation. This study was carried out to investigate the toxicological effect from the use of herbal product. Acute toxicity test of RBBM on rats was carried out in two phases; 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg for phase I and 1600mg/kg, 2900 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg for phase II, were administered respectively. For sub-acute toxicity, two groups of 5 animals each received RBBM (0.87 mg/kg and1.17 mg/kg respectively) and a third group received water orally for 28 days. The study analyzed the median lethal dosage, and sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, sperm viability and histology of the testes as indices for sub-acute toxicity. No death was recorded for the acute and sub-acute studies but there was a moderate physical sign of toxicity. In the sub-acute toxicity study, there was a significant increase (p˂0.05) in testicular weight of Group 1 animals. Also, sperm count, and sperm motility increases significantly (p˂0.05) while there was a decrease in multiple tail sperm across the test groups. RBBM is not toxic to sperm morphology and causes no death at 5000 mg/kg in male albino Wistar rats. 
 
Keywords: 
Ruzu bitters; Acute toxicity; Sub-acute toxicity; Polyherbal products; Sperm parameters
 
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