Green Coconut Water Supplementation Attenuates Flutamide-induced Testicular Damage in Male Prepubertal Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: The enhancement of male reproductive health function remains a paramount desire of every infertile men. Green coconut water (GCW) is the liquid in the inner cavity of an immature coconut fruit. Studies have demonstrated that GCW has endocrine property that regulates the reproductive system. Aim and Objectives: This study was designed to investigates the effects of GCW on the cardinal sperm function parameters such as; sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology, and the histo-architecture of the testis in flutamide-treated pre-pubertal wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male prepubertal wistar rats, weighing between 40-70g were divided into six study groups A-F. Group A, B and C received distilled water, flutamide at 25mg/kg and GCW at 20ml/kg respectively for 6 weeks. Group D and E received 25mg/kg flutamide for 2 weeks then GCW at 10ml/kg and 20ml/kg respectively 4 weeks, while Group F received 25mg/kg flutamide and GCW at 20ml/kg concomitantly for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized; caudal epididymis and the testis were collected for semen analysis and histological evaluation. Results: GCW supplementation was showed to significantly increased sperm count, sperm motility and also brings about percentage decrease in sperm morphology, as well as ameliorates histo-pathological degenerations caused by flutamide on the testis of the experimental rats. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that GCW supplementation may effectively enhance male fertility.