Evaluation of Hydromethanolic Seed Coat Extract of Garcinia kola on Fertility Profile of Male Wistar Rats

The traditional application of Garcinia Kola in the treatment of many ailments is common practice in Nigeria and the African sub region. Although, the pulp part of Garcinia kola seed has been scientifically evaluated, the seed coat may not have been investigated for any biological effects. The present study was then carried out to investigate the effects of the seed coat of Garcinia kola on the fertility indices of male wistar rats. Male wistar rats were randomly assigned into three (3) groups of eight (8) rats each. Group one (1) served as control and received distilled water. Group two (2) and group three (3) received 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of the hydromethanol (20 %80 %) seed coat extracts respectively. Hormonal and sperm quality studies lasted for 30 and 58 days respectively. Thereafter, recovery study was done. Results obtained showed that the extract caused significant reductions in the serum levels of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone as well as a significant reduction in the sperm count. However, these were completely reversed upon cessation of extract administration. This study proved that, the seed coat of Garcinia kola possesses anti fertility effects which are reversible in male wistar rats.