The effects of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Leaf extracts on Rats Sperm Function

• Abdulkarem Ilfergane

  Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi

  Author

• Eman Ali Farag Hamouda

  Department of Zoology, Faculty of Humanities and Applied Sciences, University of Benghazi, Tocra, Libya

  Author

Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) is a small evergreen tree of the myrtle family known for its unopened reddish-brown flower bud with strong aromatic flavor that are used for culinary purpose and are believed to have aphrodisiac properties, including those related to fertility and infertility diseases. The flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) have been used in indigenous medicines for the treatment of male sexual disorders in Indian subcontinent. Objective to evaluate the effect of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud on male reproduction, using rats as animal model. The aim of this study was to design a dose-response assessment to assess the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium aromaticum. Healthy adult male rats were treated with 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day of Syzygium aromaticum leaf extract by treated for 45 days. Then assess the weight, Sperm morphology, DNA fragmentation, sperm viability, sperm morphology and sperm motility of the reproductive organs. Results: There was no effect on body weight, There is a positive effect in rats treated with Syzygium aromaticum extract at low doses at 1mg/kg/day, sharp and significant decrease in all vital reproductive functions in rats treated with Syzygium aromaticum extract at high concentration at 10 and 100 mg/kg/day. The explanation for the increase in sperm functionality might have been induced by the presence of components within the plant of Syzygium aromaticum causing the effect on spermatozoa enabling them to reach optimal motility. Thereby enhancing the negative effects observed within this study. This study indicated that the traditional use of this herbs has harmful effects on male reproductive health at high doses. This study underscores the potential of Clove leaf fractions as natural aphrodisiacs, warranting further investigation for clinical applications. Conclusion: Treatment with Syzygium aromaticum flower bud causes dose‑dependent biphasic effect on male reproductive indices in Rats; lower dose of Syzygium appears stimulatory, while the higher doses have adverse effect on male reproduction. The results suggest that the lower dose of Syzygium may have androgenic effect, but further studies are needed to support this contention.

1. Eman Ali Farag Hamouda, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Humanities and Applied Sciences, University of Benghazi, Tocra, Libya

   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Humanities and Applied Sciences, University of Benghazi, Tocra, Libya

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