The effects of aqueous extracts of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds on the hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the aqueous extracts of the seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum and the effect of Proviron (12.5 mg/kg) (as standard) on the hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs, compare the effects of the seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorumand Proviron, and screen the phytochemical constituents of the seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum.MethodsThe hormonal effects of the Tetracarpidium conophorum and Proviron were tested by hormonal assay, using enzyme immuno assay method. This was done by reaction of antibody with serum testosterone and testosterone label, magnetic solid phase separation and colour development step. Phytochemical screening was done using standard procedures.ResultsThe aqueous extract of the Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds (100–400 mg/kg) caused a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05, ANOVA) in the level of testosterone of male guinea pigs, from (2.60 ± 0.06) ng/mL to (3.40 ± 0.05) ng/mL, (3.00 ± 0.60) ng/mL and (3.30 ± 0.45) ng/mL on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of the administration of the extracts, respectively. The highest increase was obtained after the 7th day of treatment [(3.40 ± 0.05) ng/mL]. These effects were very comparable to the effects of Proviron on the testosterone of male guinea pigs, which were obtained to be (2.80 ± 0.01) ng/mL, (2.90 ± 0.16) ng/mL and (3.10 ± 0.30) ng/mL on the 7th, 14th and 21st day, respectively. These effects were dose-and time-dependent. The optimum effect on testosterone level under dose-dependent study [(4.70 ± 0.45) ng/mL] was obtained at 300 mg/kg of Tetracarpidium conophorum after 7 days treatment. Finally, the phytochemical screening of the seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, carbohydrate, volatile oils, terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides.ConclusionThis study supports the claims on the use of the seeds of this plant by traditional medicine practitioners as a fertility agent. However, further studies need to be done to isolate and characterize the active principle(s) responsible for this activity in this plant.