Effect of Tiger Nut Meal on PSA, Relative Organ Weight Sperm Cell and Histological Changes in Androgen-induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: It is generally believed that Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) has some fertility boosting effects. However, scientific validation of some the fertility boosting belief concerning tiger nut is lacking.

Objective: The aim of this project was to study the effects of tiger nuts on PSA, Sperm midpiece, relative organ weight and histological changes in BPH induced rats.

Method: A total of sixty (60) male rats weighing between 160 – 200 g were used in this study. They were divided into six groups of ten rats per group. Benign prostate hyperplasia was induced in three groups of the rats (as stated in methodology) with 30 mg/kg sub-cutaneous injections of hormones containing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol valerate dissolved in olive oil in the ratio of 10:1 (three times in a week, one day interval). Administration of tiger nut meal commenced immediately and lasted for two months. At the end of administration, blood sample was collected from the rat via cardiac puncture for the determination of PSA. Semen sample was also collected for semen morphological studies. Internal organs notably, the prostate and the testes of the rats were also removed for histological examination.

Results: The study showed that the induction of BPH brought about some adverse effects. On PSA, the administration of the tiger nut meal ameliorated the BPH by significantly reducing the increased level of the PSA which is a biomarker for prostate hyperplasia (P<0.05). The effect of the tiger nut on sperm morphological toxicities were also examined. Sperm abnormalities like those with bent midpiece was examined. The result showed that the administration of tiger nut meal significantly ameliorated the abnormality and thus, restored the morphology of the sperm cells such that it can enhance fertility. A significant difference was also seen in the relative weight of the prostate. The enlarged prostate in the induced + treated group was later observed through histological studies to have reduced significantly following the administration of the tiger nut.

Conclusion: Tiger nut meal ameliorates BPH by reducing the PSA and enlarged prostate. It also ameliorates semen toxicities in the BPH induced + treated rats.