Effects of three herb-based alcoholic beverages manufactured in Ghana on sperm characteristics and reproductive hormones in rats

Abstract

Background: Advertisements of most alcoholic beverages in Ghana persuasively entice consumers with herbal constituents believed to enhance sexual performance, although, alcohol has negative effect onfertility. The impact of herbal constituents in these alcoholic beverages on the known negative effects of alcohol on fertility remains to be evaluated. This study evaluated the effects of three alcoholic beverages manufactured in Ghana on male reproductive function in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received 0.5, 2.5 or 5 ml/kg of 3 herb-based alcoholic beverages (Brand A, B & C), 42% v/v ethanol or distilled water p.o. for 21 days. On day 22, blood was collected and assayed for serum prolactin, testosterone and, hematological parameters. Testes were removed for histology and sperm from the cauda epididymis analyzed for sperm count, motility and morphology. Total antioxidant capacity of the testes was determined. Results: The three alcoholic beverages did not cause any changes in hematological parameters and relative weight of the testes. However, Brand C reduced epididymal sperm count and increased serum prolactin and induced loss of germinal epithelial cells, necrosis, intertubular edema in seminiferous tubules and lipid and fluid accumulation in the Sertoli cells. Both Brands A and B caused tubular atrophy and enlarged spermatogonia at 5 ml/kg. All three brands significantly (p<0.001) reduced sperm motility and serum testosterone, although they increased total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: The herb-based alcoholic beverages evaluated did not enhance or exert a beneficial effect on male reproductive function but rather demonstrated spermatotoxic properties irrespective of the presence of medicinal plants.