DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i06.015

Pages: 2391-2395

The Cyperus esculentus (tiger nuts) have long been used as a liver tonic and heat stimulant. This study evaluated effect of aqueous extract of tiger nuts on serum level of testosterone, LH and FSH in male Wistar rats and histological structures on the flutamide-induced testicular defect of male Wistar rats. Tiger nuts was dried and ground and aqueous extract was prepared using distilled water. Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups (n=4), group A-D. Group A was given distilled water only. Group B was given 5mg/kg of flutamide. Groups E was given 150mg/kg of extract of tiger nuts for the period of two weeks before 5mg/kg of flutamide was given for the period of one week. Group D was given 300mg/kg of extract of tiger nuts for the period of two weeks before 5mg/kg of flutamide was given for the period of one week. Rats in group C had a significant increase in level of serum testosterone (p< 0.05) when compared with normal control. Also, there was significant increase in levels of LH in group D when compared with normal and positive controls. There was a significant decrease in FSH levels in all treated groups when compared with normal control this may be due to feed mechanism. The histological evidences of testes in group B (positive control) showed a reduction in linning cells of the seminiferous tubules; however, in the other two treatment groups they were similar to the normal control group. The results suggest that extract of tiger nuts elevates the testosterone and LH and protectes the adverse effects of flutamide on the testes.