CHAPTER
ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

The understanding of
male reproductive function and the importance of male factor in infertility has
advanced significantly in the recent time. The reproductive function of male is
divided into three major subdivisions: spermatogenesis, performance of the male
sexual act and regulation of male reproductive functions by the various
hormones. Association with these function are the effects of male sex hormones
on the accessory sexual organs, cellular metabolism, growth and other body
functions (Guyton and Hall, 2011). Infertility
is a disease of reproductive system defined by failure to achieve the clinical
pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (Zegers-Hochschild
et al., 2009). Infertility is one of
the major health challenges in life approximately 30% of infertility is due to
male factor (Isidori et al., 2006).

Factors affecting male
infertility are classified into pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular (Balen,2008). This may cause the testicles producing a decreased number of
sperm or disturbance along the path preventing cells from maturing into sperm
production or reaching the woman fallopian tube where fertilization occur. Germ
cells are gradually transformed into spermatozoa. This occurs in the
seminferous tubules of the testes. It is divided into three stages (Cuninghan and Kelvin, 2007). Proliferative phase: Spermatogonia-Spermatocytes,
Meiotic phase: spermatocytes – spermatids, Differentiation phase:
(Spermiogenesis) spermatids-spermatozoa (Hess,
1999).Several conditions interfere
with spermatogenesis and reduce sperm quality and production,

Semen is an organic fluid that may
contains spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads (sexual glands). Seminal
fluid contains spermatozoa, proteolytic enzymes and fructose which promote the
survival of spermatatozoa and provide a medium through which they move or swim (Ali
et al., 2015). Male infertility can be assess through semen analysis and
reproductive hormonal profile (Jungwirth, et al., 2012). Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen and
semen quality (Cooper et al.,2010).

Males with sperm
parameters below the WHO normal values are considered to have male factor
infertility. Most significant of these are low sperm concentration (oligospermia),
poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), and abnormal sperm morphology
(tetratospermia). Factors less associated with infertility include semen volume
and other serminal markers of epididymal, prostatic and serminal vesicle function
(Harris et al.,2011). Positive
association exit between abnormal semen parameters and sperm count (Sebra et al., 2014).

Abnormality in sperm
count, motility and morphology arises from disarray in control mechanism,
including pre-testicular, testicular and post testicular factors (Wamoto et al.,2007). Semen analysis remains the single most useful and
fundamental investigation to detect men with a genuine problem of male
infertility (Butt et al.,2013). It is
a simple test that assesses the formation and maturity of sperm as well as how
the sperm interacts in the serminal fluid. It also provides insight not only on
sperm production (count), but the sperm quality (motility and morphology) as
well (Fisch,2008). As many as 2% men exhibits suboptimal sperm parameters, which
may be one or a combination of low sperm concentration, poor sperm motility, or
abnormal morphology (Kumar et al.,2015).

Mucuna
urens also known as Ox-eye beans is a common soup thickener
consumed mostly in South Eastern states in Nigeria, it is a plant belonging to
the family fabaceae, commonly found
in home and gardens in the south eastern part of Nigeria, West Africa, where
the Efiks, Ibibio and Igbos uses the seed as a major soup condiment for
thickening (Achivewhu, 1984). It is incorporated into the normal feed for farm
animals in the North due to its protein content (Umoren et al., 2007). Mucuna urens is called “Ibaba” by the
Efik/Ibibios and “Ukpor” by the Igbos and usually sold in the local markets
during the harvest season ie January (Eilitta
et al., 2003). It may be found throughout
the year. Mucuna urens requires
support for growth hence cultivated near trees. This enables production of many
seeds per plant (Sridhar et al.,2007). Other names for Mucuna urensinclude Horse eye bean,
Ox-eye bean and devil bean. Mucuna urens
had been found to contain some endogenous toxic factors. High concentration of
tannis, phytic acid, cynogenic glucoside, oxalate and gossypol has been
reportedin Mucuna urens (Laurena et al., 1994).

Toxic compounds
including L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine), nicotine, physostigmine and
serotonine are found in Mucuna urens,
which also act as anti-nutritive value of
Mucuna urens (Umoren et al.,2007). Mucuna urens seed extract causes sperm
degeneration in testicular tubules,collapse of villi in the prostate gland and seminal
vesicles of male guinea-pigs (Udoh
and Ekpeyong, 2001).

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe; Family: Zingibercease) is used worldwide as a
spice. It has both anti-oxidative and androgenic activities in animal models (Sekiwa
et al.,2000, Kantch Oung et al., 2002). The local names of
ginger includes; ‘Afa-ije’ in Yoruba and ‘Jinja’ in Igbo/Efik/Ibibios. Ginger
rhizome contains active ingredients such as Zingerone, Gingerdiol,
Zingibren,Gingerol and shogaols which have antioxidants activity (Zulican et al.,2002). Ginger is a great source
of manganese, essential to man’s sex drive and sperm count by helping the body
produce testosterone. Ginger oil has protective effect on DNA damage induced by
H2O2 and might be used as antioxidant (Grzarana et al., 2005). Antioxidant protects DNA
and other important molecules from oxidation and damage which can improve sperm
quality and consequently increase fertility rate in men (Rajeer et al., 2006).

Ginger is a native of
South Eastern Asia but over the centuries has been spread to various part of
the world including Africa. In Nigeria, the highest producer of ginger is
Kaduna state, others includes Gombe, Bauchi, Benue, Nassarawa among others.
Ginger is available in various forms; Fresh ginger rhizome, powder ginger and
dry ginger rhizome. A mature ginger rhizome is fibrous and has a striated
texture. The outer skin of the rhizome is brownish in colour while the inner
flesh depending on the variety may be red, yellow or white. For effective
cultivation of ginger the following conditions are required; mulched fertile
soil, loam is the most preferred soil type, ridges and a minimum annual
rainfall of about 1500mm. An average temperature of about 300C,
viable ginger rhizomes with buds and good drainage prevents water logging/flooding.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Despite the
degenerative effect of Mucuna urens
seed on spermatogenesis and seminal parameters, it is of great benefit to
humanity, agriculturally it serves as a cover crops, to food technologist it is
used as a thickening agent in soup; medically sap from the cut liana is rubbed
on sprains, rheumatic areas, contusions, sore muscles and used for children’s
fever. It also has anti-anaemic effect, antibacterial effect and inhibitory
activity on some enzyme. Ginger is been used daily as food spices and in herbal
medicine which increases semen volume, sperm count and testosterone level. This
research project shall provide further insights into the causes and treatment
of male infertility through semen analysis caused by the effect of Mucuna urens and Zingiber officinale.

1.3       Significance of the Study

The result of this
study will increase knowledge to the existing literature about the effect of
ethanol seed extract of Mucuna urens
and ginger on semen analysis.

1.4       Aim and Objective of the Study

This research was aimed
at investigating the serious danger of consumption of Mucuna urens seed and the counter effect of ginger rhizome on
semen analysis.   Its objectives include;

i.       
To investigate changes in semen analysis
in male albino rats administered with ethanol seed extract of Mucuna urens.

ii.      To
investigate changes in semen analysis in male albino rats administered with
ethanol extract of Ginger rhizome.

iii.    To
investigate the counter effect of ethanol extract of ginger rhizome on semen
abnormalities induced by the administration of ethanol seed extract of Mucuna urens in male albino rats.

1.5       Scope of the Study

The
scope of this study includes;

i.       
Ethanol extraction of Mucuna urens seed and Zingiber officinale Roscoe.

ii.      Concentration
of ethanol extract of Mucuna urens seed
and ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale
in a water bath.

iii.    Determination
of Lethal Dose (LD50) for
Mucuna urens seed extract and Zingiber
officinale using mice.

iv.    Determination
of body weight of experimental animals.

v.      Administration
of ethanol seed extract of Mucuna urens
and ethanol extract Zingiber officinale to
experimental animals.

vi.    Monitoring
of body weight and size of experimental animals with respect to dosage of the
extracts.

vii.  Collection
of semen and determination of semen analysis.

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