Alcoholic Bitters modulates Sex Hormones and Some Biochemical Parameters of Testicular Function in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Alcoholic bitters have been acclaimed to boost sexual function and fertility in animals but there is no reported scientific evidence that evaluated its effects on the normal functioning of the testes. This study was therefore conducted to assess the effect of some alcoholic bitters on testicular function indices of male Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 25 male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of five animals each and treated with distilled water, ethanol, Alomo, Striker and Orijin Alcoholic Bitters at 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, 0.16 and 0.3 ml/kg body weight respectively for 28 days. The animals were thereafter sacrificed and the serum obtained was used for the determination of sex hormones. Assessment of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as the activity of β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were carried out using standard methods. Results: There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in protein, cholesterol, testosterone, FSH and LH, as well as in the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, SOD and CAT in all the groups of animals administered the alcoholic bitters, whereas concentration of MDA was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Concentration of triglycerides was not significantly different (p>0.05) from those of the control animals. Conclusion: The alcoholic bitters enhanced the normal functioning of the testes, the antioxidant enzymes and the release of the reproductive hormones. This may partly explain its use in boosting sexual function and fertility in male rats.