Evaluation of the Effect of High Dose Kola Nut Ethanolic Extract on Testicular Enzymes in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of high dose of kola nut (Cola nitida) ethanolic extract on the testicular enzyme activities of adult male albino Wistar rats. Twelve adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of four rats each. Group 1 acted as control and was given only normal rat meal and distilled water. Groups 2 and 3 were given kola nut ethanolic extract at a level of 100 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight correspondingly. The medication was given for a period of four weeks. At the end of the experimental period, rats were slaughtered and testicular tissues were collected for biochemical investigation. Spectrophotometric determination of acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the testis. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0 and differences between groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc test. The average ACP and LDH activity of the control group were 227.00 ± 3.37 U/L and 13.25 ± 1.71 U/L respectively. The recorded ACP and LDH activities for the low-dose group were 230.50 ± 2.65 U/L and 17.75 ± 1.26 U/L respectively. The recorded ACP and LDH activities for the high-dose group were 233.33 ± 3.11 U/L and 25.50 ± 2.89 U/L respectively. Significant variation of ACP activity was detected across three groups (F = 4.536, P = 0.043). Similarly, the LDH activity was considerably different among groups (F = 35.903, P < 0.001). The gradual increases in the activities of ACP and LDH, especially in high dose group, indicate that administration of kola nut ethanolic extract at high doses can bring about changes in the testicular enzyme activity and cellular metabolism. These findings may suggest potential implications of overexposure to kola nut ethanolic extract on testicular function and the need for caution with long term or high dose use