Effects of Nymphaea lotus Linn. (Nymphaeaceae) extract on sperm quality and reproductive function of adult albino male rats

Introduction: Nymphea lotus Linn (N. lotus) flowers are used empirically for the treatment of male sexual disorders in Cameroon west region. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the N. lotus on some parameters of male fertility in adult albino male rats. Methods: twenty four male rats were divided in 4 groups (n=6 each) and subjected to the following treatment: distilled water as vehicle control (10 ml/kg), testosterone as reference drug (5 mg/kg) and N. lotus flowers aqueous extract at the doses of 75 (NL75) and 150 mg/kg (NL150). Distilled water and aqueous extract of the plant were given once daily whereas testosterone was injected intramuscularly once a week. Treatment lasted for 55 days. Index of libido, sperm count, motility and viability were assessed. Relative weight and histology of some androgens dependent organs were analyzed. Results: Our results showed the treatment with NL75 during 55 days, increased markedly the index of libido (83.33%) in animals compared to control (50%). Both N. lotus treated groups showed a significant elevation (P<0.05) of the sperm count compared to testosterone treated animals. NL75 and NL150 also induced a significant increase of the sperm motility (P<0.001; P<0.01). NL75 induced a considerable increase in sperm viability (66.35% vs. 50.11%) compared to control. Further, NL75 also improved significantly the relative weight of testis (P<0.05), prostate (P<0.001) and penis (P<0.05) compared to control, suggesting anabolic effects of our plant. Conclusion: From these findings, it was concluded that N. lotus flowers have androgenic and reproductive properties justifying its empirical uses.