Sperm Parameters and Testicular Histology of Male Wistar Rats Treated with Phoenix Dactylifera after Consumption of Local Mmahi Salt

Phoenix dactylifera (date fruit) is one of the nutritious and healthiest fruits due to its excellent nutritional properties, and many beneficial health and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate sperm parameters and testicular histology of male Wistar rats treated with Phoenix dactylifera after consumption of a dose of local Mmahi salt (local salt of Ebonyi State origin, in Nigeria). Fresh date fruits, Mmahi salt, rat feed, clean drinking water, and 24 male wistar rats were the main materials for this study. The rats were divided into 6 groups: Group 1 (negative control group with 0% Mmahi salt (MS) and date fruit exposure), Group 2 (positive control I that received 75mg/kg of MS for 4 weeks), Group 3 (positive control II that received 75mg/kg of MS for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of self-recovery), Group 4 (that received 75mg/kg of MS for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of 200mg/kg of date fruit), Group 5 (that received 75mg/kg of MS for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of 400mg/kg of date fruit), and Group 6 (that received 75mg/kg of MS for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of 600mg/kg of date fruit). Actively motile spermatozoa in this study had mean±SEM in G1 (65.00±2.89), G2 (55.00±0.00), G3 (45.00±2.89), G4 (63.75±2.39), G5 (55.50±2.04), and G6 (58.75±2.39). Sluggishly motile spermatozoa were low in the groups treated with higher doses of date fruit extract, but least in G1. Non-motile spermatozoa were high in G2 and G3, but lower in G1, G5, and G6. G4, G5, and G6 had higher sperm counts compared to G2 and G3, although not significant. Histological examination showed in G1 - normal histology, in G2 - moderate spermatogenic arrest, in G3 - severe distortion of testicular architecture, in G4 - enhanced spermatogenesis, in G5 - moderate distortion of the seminiferous tubules, and G6 - enhanced spermatogenesis. A high dose of Mmahi salt is detrimental to sperm parameters and testicular histology. However, this study has shown that date fruit extract can improve sperm parameters and testicular histology in male wistar rats fed with Mmahi salt.