Effects of graded doses of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) on the sperm quality and haemo-biochemical parameters of the male Wistar rats

Abstract

The effects of graded doses of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (EEPO) on the sperm quality and haemo-biochemical parameters of the male Wistar rats were studied. Twenty-five adult male rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups A-E, (n=5). Groups A, B, C, and D were treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg of EEPO respectively while group E received 0.2 ml Propylene glycol serving as the control. Animals were treated for 14 days after which samples were collected. Sperm motility, liveability and sperm count of EEPO-treated rats in groups A, B, C and D showed a dose-dependent increase compared to the control. The treatment significantly (p<0.05) increased the PCV, Hb, RBC and platelets counts of rats across the treated groups A-D. There were no significant changes (p>0.05) in other haematological parameters except for a marked reduction in the WBC count of group B. The mean ALB and TP increased across the treated groups when compared to the control). It was concluded that ethanol extract of P. ostreatus produced a dose-dependent increase in sperm motility, liveability, sperm count, PCV, Hb, RBC, TP and ALB, thereby enhancing the fertility of the rats, especially at higher doses. Hence, the plant should be considered as feed supplements for the male breeding stock.