Arachis hypogaea Oil Extract Enhances Male Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Sperm Parameters in Wistar Rats
Abstract
Plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for enhancing male reproductive health. Arachis hypogaea (groundnut), an extensively cultivated oilseed crop, possesses rich phytochemical constituents; however, its specific effects on male reproductive parameters remain incompletely characterised. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Arachis hypogaea oil extract on reproductive function in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats (180 - 200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5/group). Group 1 (control) received standard rat chow and water ad libitum, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered A. hypogaea oil extract via daily oral gavage at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, respectively, for 56 days. Serum reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and testosterone) were quantified using ELISA, while Sperm parameters (sperm count, motility, viability and morphology) were assessed using standard established protocols. Administration of A. hypogaea oil extract significantly elevated FSH and testosterone levels across all treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). LH levels showed significant increases at 300 mg/kg (1.53 ± 0.02 mIU/mL) and 600 mg/kg (3.06 ± 0.01 mIU/mL) relative to controls (p<0.05). The 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg doses produced marked improvements in sperm viability, motility, and normal morphology, with sperm count more than doubling (580.00 ± 40.62 and 560.00 ± 53.40 M/mL, respectively) compared to the control, accompanied by significant reductions in dead sperm percentages (p<0.05). Evidence from the present study shows that Arachis hypogaea oil extract demonstrates dose-dependent enhancement of male reproductive function in Wistar rats, improving both hormonal profiles and sperm quality parameters. These findings support the therapeutic potential of A. hypogaea oil as a natural supplement for male reproductive health and warrant further investigation into its clinical applications and mechanistic pathways.