Abstract

Brassica oleracea (cabbage) is a significant vegetable with several medicinal potential and health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cabbage on male reproductive functions in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Twentyeight (28) Adult male Wistar rats, (160-180g), were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control group) rats received 1.0 ml of distilled water, Group II (HDC-high dose cabbage) received 100 mg/kg body weight crude extract of white cabbage, Group III (MDC-medium dose cabbage) rats received 300 mg/kg crude extract of white cabbage. Group IV (LDC-low dose cabbage) rats receive 500 mg/kg crude extract of white cabbage (LDC-low dose cabbage). The extract was administered orally for four weeks; semen analysis; sperm motility, count, and morphology were observed in the rats. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were assayed. Antioxidants; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione reductase (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were assayed. The histological examination of the testis was also assessed. Cabbage caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the weight of the testis and epididymis. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the serum level of malondialdehyde and a significant (p<0.05) increase in the catalase level. Testicular spermatogenic cells were increased in population and proliferation of the germinal epithelium, thereby enhancing spermatogenesis; improving sperm counts significantly, and reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of cabbage may reduce oxidative stress, improve male reproductive fertility, and serve as a potential treatment for male infertility.

Keywords: Cabbage, Sperm, Fertility, Spermatogenesis, Antioxidant, Rats