Effect of roasted seed extract of Senna occidentalis on serum gonadal hormones in rats

Abstract

The roasted seed of Senna occidentalis is consumed as a substitute for coffee and used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. However, there is a scarcity of information on the potential toxicity of the seed extract in the gonadal organs of rats, and hence, the safety of the seed cannot be guaranteed. The study investigated the effect of S. occidentalis roasted seed extract on the gonadal organs of albino rats. Eighty (80) male and female Wistar rats, each weighing between 100 and 120 g, were divided into four groups, with ten rats per group for each sex. In each sex, Groups 2, 3, and 4 were given S. occidentalis roasted seed extract at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1%, respectively, mixed with their drinking water for a duration of 90 days. Group 1 acted as the control group and received tap water without the seed extract. Animal body weights, food and water consumption, and serum gonadal hormone concentration were determined. The results indicated that the aqueous seed extract of S. occidentalis did not have a significant effect on the body weight of the rats. Food consumption showed a significant decrease only in females that were administered 1% S. occidentalis seed extract. In contrast, water consumption decreased significantly in both sexes of animals that received 0.5% and 1% S. occidentalis seed extract. In males, groups administered 0.5% and 1% showed elevated luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels, while Oestrogen levels decreased significantly in animals administered 0.5% and 1% S. occidentalis seed extract. Thus, administration of roasted seed extract of S. occidentalis has a positive impact on the gonadal function of male rats but has an adverse effect on the reproductive system of female rats. The seed may be used to enhance male reproductive health and fertility.