The Effect(S) Of Fresh Juice Of Morinda Citrifolia Linn (Noni) On Fertility In Male Sprague Dawley Rats

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Morinda citrifolia Linn (Noni), a shrub originating in tropical Asia or Polynesia, has been extensively used in folk medicine and has been reported to have a broad range of health benefits including combating cancer, infection, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and pain. Noni juice has also been proven to have a high antioxidant activity. The use of Noni is fast gaining grounds in Ghana. Fertility in humans is very important as it ensures the continuous existence of humans. Male infertility is estimated to be present in about 50% of infertility cases and often results in significant psychosocial and marital stress. M. citrifolia has been linked with increased sperm production and may be useful in the treatment and management of infertility and associated conditions. AIM This research seeks to investigate the effect of fresh Morinda citrifolia L. juice on male fertility in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unripe M.citrifolia fruits were randomly collected, washed and rinsed thoroughly with tap water and subsequently with distilled water. The fruits were air-dried and kept in a sterile container for about 2-3 days to allow ripening. The ripe fruits were squeezed to produce the fresh juice. The juice was collected, aliquoted and administered to the SD rats using a gavage needle. Unused juice was discarded at the end of each week. A total of 60 male laboratory SD rats were used in this study. A qualitative assessment of phytochemicals was performed on the juice. A 14-day oral acute and 28- day sub- acute toxicity tests were conducted. After 28-days administration of the juice, the animals were euthanized, and blood samples were taken for viii hematology and biochemistry tests. Serum Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone were assessed using specific rat ELISA test kits. Sperm count and motility for each animal were also determined. The testes and epidydimis were isolated and their relative weights determined. RESULTS Phytochemicals present in fresh Noni fruit juice included: flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins alkaloids and steroids. Morinda citrifolia L did not have any significant effect (p