Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in Men's Sperm Fertility: A Cross‑Sectional Study of Wistar Albino Rats Fed with Aqueous Extract of Brachistegia Eurycoma (Achi) Seeds

Abstract

Infertility is a common reproductive health issue, with male factors responsible for 40–50% of cases. This research investigated the impact of aqueous Brachystegia eurycoma (achi) seed extract on lipid levels, antioxidant capacity, and sperm parameters in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty rats (75–130 g) were divided into four groups (n = 5) to receive daily doses of the extract: 0 mg/kg (control), 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, or 800 mg/kg for 14 days. Body weights were recorded and semen samples were collected to evaluate sperm motility, morphology, and count. Serum lipid profiles were analyzed, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. The 800 mg/kg dose significantly improved sperm parameters, showing 45% progressive motility and 75% normal morphology. In contrast, the 400 mg/kg dose resulted in 25% motility and 45% normal morphology. Lipid profile analysis indicated increased total cholesterol (299 mg/dL) and triglycerides (442 mg/dL) at the highest dose, with HDL at 33 mg/dL and LDL at 178 mg/dL. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, achieving 94.42% DPPH inhibition at 80 mg/mL and a FRAP scavenging capacity of 87.99%. Brachystegia eurycoma seed extract may enhance sperm quality, likely due to its antioxidant properties and regulation of lipid metabolism.