Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans Nutmeg

Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg)

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-16683-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg)” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Anatomy, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg)” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to assess the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg). Investigation revealed that though nutmeg is used as spice in many food and confectionaries, and has so many nutritional and medicinal properties as well as its functions in many organs and systems of the human body, there is no enough literature regarding the effect of oral administration of nutmeg on the histology of the testis, as well as its effects on hormonal profile (Testosterone). Twenty four (24) adult albino Wistar rats were used for this study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of (A and B), with each group containing twelve rats respectively. The experiment lasted for 26 days. The rats were weighed before and after the experiment. On the 26th day, the rats were sacrificed via chloroform inhalation and the testes harvested and fixed immediately in 10 % buffered formalin, processed and stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining method.

The result of this experiment revealed that nutmeg consumption caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in functional nephrotoxicity indicators in nutmeg-treated rats compared with control. Histological findings from this study revealed that 10 g/kg body weight of nutmeg/day – 20 g/kg body weight of nutmeg orally administered to male albino Wistar rats have severe toxic effects on the histology of the testis. This effect includes cellular necrosis and degeneration of spermatogenic, fibroblast and myoid cells. There is also severe degeneration of the basement membrane of the testes. These results revealed that consumption of higher dose of nutmeg have cellular toxic effect on the testes and hence caution should be applied on the intake of the spice nutmeg. Based on the findings, it is recommended that caution should therefore be advocated in the intake of this product and further studies be carried out to examine these findings.

Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg)

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Nutmeg also known as Myristica fragrans is a plant which germinates seeds, and the seeds are ground into powder. The tree which bears these seeds grows up to 10 – 20 m tall and is indigenous to India, Indonesia, and srilanka (Hayfaa et al., 2013). The extracts of the nutmeg is implicated in the stimulation of mounting behaviour in male mice, and also in significant increase in their mating performance (Ahmad et al., 2003). Nutmeg is the seed of the tree scientifically classified as Myristica fragrans. Nutmeg is widely used in cuisines around the world. It has numerous health benefits, which include its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, improve cognitive function (Dx.doi, 2023); detoxify the body, boost skin quality, alleviate oral conditions, and reduce insomnia. Nutmeg strengthens the immune system, prevents leukemia, and improves blood circulation as well (NCBI, 2023).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Nutmeg is widely accepted as a flavouring agent. Nutmeg and its oleoresin are used in the preparation of meat products, sauces, baked foods, confectionaries, puddings, seasoning of meat and vegetables, to flavor milk dishes and punches. Medicinally nutmeg is known to be stimulants and has carminative properties (Lagouri et al., 1995). In pregnancy and lactation, traditionally nutmeg has been used as an abortificient; though this has largely been discounted, but remains a persistent cause of nutmeg intoxication in women (De Milto et al., 2005).

The active ingredient in nutmeg is called myristicine. Cytotoxic and apotoxic effects of myristicine have been reported such that cell viability was reduced by exposure to myristicine in a dose dependent manner (Lee et al., 2005). The testis – also called testicles are two oval-shaped organs in the male reproductive system. They are contained in sac of skin called the scrotum.

Structures within the tests are important for the production and storage of sperm until they are mature enough for ejaculation. The testes also produce a hormone called testosterone which is responsible for sex drive, fertility and development of muscle and bone mass. The blood testes barrier also helps to prevent some substances that may be considered injurious or toxic from destroying the parenchyma of the testis. It would therefore be worthwhile to examine the effects of oral administration of nutmeg on the histology of the testis, as well as its effects on hormone (Testosterone) thereby corroborating previous works done by other researchers (Olaleye et al., 2006), or disproving the toxic effects of nutmeg in this organ with the view of advising the consumers on the inherent dangers of excessive consumption of the spice.

The toxicity of nutmeg seeds at high doses has been reported, mainly due to myristicin oil and elemicin, causing tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations. However, these effects are related to the abuse of the spice and are not observed at usual low concentrations (Ehrenpreis et al., 2014). There are many studies on the beneficial effects of nutmeg seed and various nutmeg seed extracts. One of the most prominent biological activities of the nutmeg preparations is antibacterial. Nutmeg seed lignans exert antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella dysenteriae (Abourashed et al., 2016). Ethanol and acetone extracts of nutmeg crust have strong antibacterial activity against gram- positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (Smith-Palmer et al., 2002).

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg).

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that though nutmeg is used as spice in many food and confectionaries, and has so many nutritional and medicinal properties as well as its functions in many organs and systems of the human body, there is no enough literature regarding the effect of oral administration of nutmeg on the histology of the testis, as well as its effects on hormonal profile (Testosterone). Hence this research is carried out carefully to ascertain the effects of oral administration of nutmeg on the histology of the testis, as well as its effect on hormonal profile (Testosterone).

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to assess the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

  1. To ascertain the impact oral nutmeg supplementation has on the adult male albino Wistar rat's serum testosterone level in a hormonal assay;
  2. To determine the effect of oral Administration of Nutmeg on the histology of the testis of adult male albino Wistar rat; and
  3. To identify the factors that affect the body weight of mature male albino Wistar rats after nutmeg administration through oral consumption.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

  • Are there factors that affect the body weight of mature male albino Wistar rats after nutmeg administration through oral consumption?
  • What is the effect of oral Administration of Nutmeg on the histology of the testis of adult male albino Wistar rat?
  • What is the impact oral nutmeg supplementation has on the adult male albino Wistar rat's serum testosterone level in a hormonal assay?

1.6 Significance of Study

The relevance of this research will provide scientific knowledge to health care providers and the public on the possible adverse effect of nutmeg as a spice on the testis, body weight and hormonal assay (Serum testosterone). It will also help to educate the public that nutmeg though normally consume as a spice could pose health risk to consumers especially if it usage is abuse.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg).

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

  1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
  2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
  3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
  4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
…

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

Summary Headlines for Histological Assessment of the Testes and Hormonal Profile of Adult Male Albino Wistar Rats Following Oral Administration of Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg)