Reproductive characteristics, semen quality, seminal oxidative status, steroid hormones, sperm production efficiency of rabbits fed herbal supplements

Enhancement potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on buffalo bull cryopreserved semen quality and fertilization capacity

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leave extract (MOLE) on buffalo bull cryopreserved semen quality and fertility. Sixty ejaculates were collected from ten fertile buffalo bulls on a weekly basis for 6 weeks (n = 10 bulls & n = 60) then semen samples were pooled and divided into five groups. The semen of the control group was without additives. The semen of other groups was supplemented with MOLE at doses of 200, 400, 600 and 800 µg/ mL, respectively. One hundred thirty multiparous buffaloes were artificially inseminated with semen supplemented without or with MOLE at dose of 600 µg/ mL. Inclusion of MOLE in semen extender at dose 600 µg/ mL significantly elevated the total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity and fertilization capacity of the post-thawed spermatozoa, as well as the total antioxidant capacity. However, it significantly decreased acrosomal defects of spermatozoa, and the concentration of malondialdehyde. This study indicated that inclusion of MOLE to semen extender improved the quality and fertility of the post-thawed buffalo bulls' semen through enhancing the activities of the antioxidant enzyme system and decreasing cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Herbal inclusions ameliorate effect of heat stress on haematology, proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines and oxidative stress of weaned rabbit does in humid tropics

A study was designed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaf meal as herbal inclusions to alleviate the detrimental outcomes of heat stress in weaned female rabbits. Forty (40) weaned rabbit does (527.99 ± 10.35 g; 28 days old) were randomly allotted to four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1(control diet; without leaf meal), Diets 2 (supplemented with 10% V. album); 3 (supplemented with 10% M. oleifera) and 4 (supplemented with 10% P. amarus) in an 84 days trial at the peak of heat stress in Southwest Nigeria. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected to assess physiological responses and oxidative status of the rabbit does. The results obtained revealed that rabbit does were exposed to heat stress; rabbit does fed control diet had higher leucocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio compared to rabbit does fed on herbal inclusions. The herbal inclusions enhanced oxidative stability of rabbit does by lowering lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activities during heat stress conditions. Rabbit does fed control-based diet had significantly higher heat shock protein 70, leptin and adiponectin compared to rabbit does on M. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album supplemented diets. The herbal inclusions tend to suppress proinflammatory cytokines in rabbit does during heat stress condition. In conclusion, the herbal inclusions suppress inflammation, adipokines and promotes oxidative stability of rabbit does exposed to heat stress conditions.

Potentials of Phyllanthus amarus, Viscum album and Moringa oleifera supplements to mitigate heat stress in female rabbits in humid tropics

Global warming is a key challenge subjecting animals to heat stress conditions resulting in multiple physiological alterations in tropical climate. Dietary approach seems to be the more friendly approach to curb the adverse effects of heat stress in rabbits. Some herbs have been categorized to have high potential for promotion of immune responses for amelioration of heat stress. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the potential of Mistletoe (Viscum album), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus amarus) leaf meal as herbal supplements for the alleviation of heat stress in female rabbits by measuring improvement in sex and stress hormonal responses in serum biochemistry. 80 Rabbit does were exposed to 4 dietary groups supplemented with each of Mistletoe, Moringa, Phyllanthus and a control in an 84-day trial at the summit of thermal stress in South west Nigeria. Growth indices were monitored throughout the study, blood samples were compiled at the end of the trial to assess serum biochemistry, stress and sex hormonal responses of the Does using standard protocols. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain of Does fed on Phyllanthus were significantly (p < 0.05) higher (11.46% and 14.25%, respectively) than Does on control. The herbal supplements enhance glucose, protein, albumin and globulin, reduced cholesterol, and creatinine of Does under heat stress conditions. Among the herbal treatment groups, mistletoe, moringa and phyllanthus had 12.42%, 18.39% and 16.90%, respectively, lower corticosterone than control groups which had 39.76ng/ml. Triiodothyronine of Does fed control were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than Does on Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus supplements. Estradiol and Follicle stimulating hormone of rabbit Does fed on moringa supplement were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other treatments. In conclusion, the herbal supplements tend to mitigate the detrimental outcome of thermal stress on Does by suppressing stress hormones. Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus enhanced sex hormones while Phyllanthus amarus confered growth promoting effects on the Does.

HSP70, adiponectin, leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones of heat-stressed broilers fed herbal supplements

Global warming undoubtedly is a serious challenge facing poultry production especially in tropical climate, which subject animals to heat-stressed conditions leading to multiple physiological alterations. An investigation was conducted to determine the role of herbal supplements on adipokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones of broilers exposed to heat stress. 200 a day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to standard diets; diet 1 without leaf meal (T1), diet 2 with 5% Moringa oleifera (T2), diet 3 with 5% Phyllanthus amarus (T3) and diet 4 with 5% mistletoe; Viscum album (T4) in a 49-day feed trial during the peak of thermal discomfort in Southern Nigeria, to assess hormones, adipokines and cytokines using standard procedures. Results obtained shows that triiodothyronine of birds fed phyllanthus and mistletoe were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds on basal diet. Corticosterone of birds fed mistletoe and phyllanthus were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those obtained in birds on basal diet. Heat shock protein of birds fed on moringa supplements were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those in birds on basal diet. The adiponectin of birds fed on basal diet were statistically (p < 0.05) higher than other treatments. Interleukin 6 of birds on phyllanthus and mistletoe supplements were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from birds on basal diet. Interleukin 1β of birds fed basal diet was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds fed moringa supplements and the significantly (p < 0.05) least values obtained in those of birds fed phyllanthus supplement. Tumor necrosis factor α of birds fed on phyllanthus and mistletoe were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds fed basal diet and the significantly (p < 0.05) least values were obtained in birds fed moringa supplement. In conclusion, three herbal supplements decreased the HSP 70, leptin and adiponectin of broilers exposed to heat stress and moringa supplements lower pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in heat stress birds.

Herbal supplements suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, boost humoral immunity, and modulate adipokines to enhance the productivity traits of rabbit bucks in hot climatic conditions

Thermal stress is the main stressor accounting for reduced productivity, compromised immunity, and collapse of thermoregulatory measures in rabbits in the tropics. The current climate change depicts worsening assault of heat stress in the time ahead; hence, the need to develop combative measures for animal productivity. This research investigates the influence of herbal supplements of three tropical herbs Viscum album (mistletoe), Moringa oleifera (Moringa), and Phyllanthus amarus (Phyllanthus) on immune response, oxidative status, adipokines, and growth of eighty weaned rabbits during heat stress in tropical climate. The bucks were fed with four standard diets; a control and others supplemented with each of Moringa, Phyllanthus, and mistletoe for an eight-week feed trial. Performance indicators were monitored and blood were sampled and assayed for hematology, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and oxidative status. The result shows that the performance of bucks fed with Phyllanthus and mistletoe supplements was superior to other groups. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the bucks fed with Moringa supplement, with significantly (p < 0.05) highest values obtained in the control group. Total antioxidant activity of the bucks fed with supplements was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on control, with the significantly (p < 0.05) highest value recorded in bucks fed with Phyllanthus. Serum lipid peroxidation of the bucks on control was significantly (p < 0.05) highest and significantly (p < 0.05) least value was obtained in bucks on mistletoe. Heat shock protein 70, adiponectin, and leptin of the bucks on control were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on herbal supplements. Interleukin 6, interleukin β, and tumor necrosis factor α of bucks on control were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks fed on herbal supplements. In conclusion, the inclusion of herbal supplements Moringa, Phyllanthus, or mistletoe suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, boost humoral immunity, enhance the anti-oxidative status, and promote the growth of rabbit bucks during thermal discomfort.

Effect of Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) on Male Reproductive Organs and Sperm Quality in Adult Sprague Dawley Rats

Reproductive health and male fertility are closely related to dietary practices. In recent years, Malaysia has shown a lot of interest in using herbal plants as dietary supplements or in the treatment of numerous diseases. Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as karas or gaharu, has recently gained attention for its potential to cure many diseases due to its pharmacological properties. However, studies on its effect on male fertility and reproductive organs are very scarce. This study was conducted to determine the effect of A. malaccensis on male reproductive organs' weight (testis, epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicle) and sperm quality (sperm count, sperm morphology and sperm motility) in adult Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into four treatment groups; Control (C: 1 mL of distilled water, n = 6), Treatment 1 (T1: 1 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), Treatment 2 (T2: 2 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6) and Treatment 3 (T3: 3 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), respectively. Distilled water and A. malaccensis were administered by oral gavage once daily for 28 days. The rats were euthanised on Day 29 for assessment of reproductive organs' weight and sperm quality. Result shows that weight of testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and sperm motility did not differ (p > 0.05) among control and treated groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of sperm number (1.36 × 10-6) and a decrease (p < 0.05) in percentage of the abnormal sperm (8.17%) were observed in T1 group when compared to Control group. Incremental dosage of A. malaccensis seemed to decrease number of sperm (T3: 0.78 × 10-6 < T1: 1.36 × 10-6 with p < 0.05) and increase percentage of abnormal sperm (T3: 18.83% > T2: 12.17% > T1: 8.17% with p < 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of either 1, 2 or 3 grams of A. malaccensis did not alter the reproductive organs' weight and sperm motility. However, the higher concentration of A. malaccensis consumed by the rats seemed to have detrimental effects on the number and morphology of sperm.

Effect of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions

This study investigated the role of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions. Fresh Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaves were obtained and processed into a leaf meal using standard procedure and served as a phytogenic supplements. Eighty rabbit bucks of 6 weeks old (514.84 ± 14.10 g) were randomly assigned to the four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1 without the leaf meal (control diet) and Diets 2 (D2); 3 (D3) and 4 (D4) contained 10% Moringa, 10% Phyllanthus and 10% Mistletoe, respectively, in an 84-day feed trial at the peak of thermal discomfort. Semen kinetics and seminal oxidative status, reproductive and metabolic hormones were assessed using standard procedure. Results reveal that sperm concentration and motility traits of bucks on D2, D3 and D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on D1. Spermatozoa speed traits of bucks on D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on other treatments. Seminal lipid peroxidation of bucks in D2-D4 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than bucks on D1. Corticosterone of bucks on D1 was significantly higher than bucks on other treatments (D2-D4). Lutenizing hormone of bucks on D2 and testosterone of bucks on D3 was higher (p < 0.05) than in other groups, while follicle stimulating hormone of bucks on D2 and D3 were higher (p < 0.05) than bucks on D1 and D4. In conclusion, the three phytogenic supplements improved sex hormones, enhanced spermatozoa kinetics, viability and seminal oxidative stability of bucks during heat stress condition.

A correlative interaction between thyroid dysfunction and semen parameters in male infertility: A prospective case control study

The role of thyroid function on sperm quality has not been well studied from a pathological aspect. This study aimed to report the degree of association between the status of thyroid hormones, sperm quality and aetiology in infertile men compared to healthy subjects. A prospective case control investigative study was conducted on 100 infertile males and age matched healthy controls. Semen samples were collected for sperm quality examination, and the serum levels of tetraiodothyronine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) were measured. Out of 100 infertile men, oligozoospermia (32%), asthenozoospermia (48%), and oligo-asthenozoospermia (20%) were found. There was a statistical difference between the group I and group II groups related to sperm count (28.32 ± 14.60 vs 66.50 ± 10.50 x 106/ml), sperm motility (40.1 ± 13.8 vs 64.8 ± 7.85%), and sperm morphology (55.92 ± 5.27 vs 83.50 ± 5.25%, p<0.05). There was a statistical difference among the oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and oligo-asthenozoospermia groups related to T3 (115 + 0.40 vs 1.29 ± 0.59 vs 1.25 ± 0.32 ng/ml), T4 (7.35 ± 1.42 vs 9.15 ± 1.85 vs 7.85 ± 1.65 μg/dl), and TSH (1.69 ± 0.55 vs 2.12 ± 1.45 vs 1.98 ± 0.4 μIU/ml) (P<0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation of TSH levels with sperm volume (r = -0.12, p= 0.02), sperm motility (r = -0.26, p= 0.02), and sperm morphology (r = -0.304, p = 0.02) observed. T4 levels were significantly correlated with sperm count (r = -0.278, p = 0.02), and sperm motility (r = -0.249, p = 0.032). T4 levels were very highly associated with asthenozoospermia. Relative operating curve analysis shows that Sperm motility of >40.1%, T3 levels of <1.29 ng/ml, total T4 levels of <8.42 μg/dl, TSH levels of <1.98 μIU/ml inferred the male infertility.

Although thyroid function screening is not currently recommended as a part of the diagnostic workup of the infertile male, it may be reconsidered in light of the physiopathological background. Studies will be necessary to initiate the trial of a small dose of anti-thyroid drug in asthenozoospermic patients.

An insight into the potent medicinal plant Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., a globally distributed herb is known for its several therapeutic potentials. P. amarus has a long history of use in the traditional system of medicine for over 2000 years owing to its wide array of secondary metabolites that confer significant medicinal attributes. Research on various aspects including ethnobotany, phytochemistry to bioactivity, or pharmacological studies has been conducted over the past several decades on this potent herb. P. amarus extracts have shown a broad range of pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimalarial, nephroprotective, diuretic, and several other properties. The present review compiles and covers literature and research of several groups across past decades to date and focuses on how the therapeutic significance of this plant can be further explored for future research either as herbal formulations, alternative medicine, or in the pharmaceutical industry.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13237-022-00409-z.

Performance, hemato-biochemical indices and oxidative stress markers of broiler chicken fed phytogenic during heat stress condition

Thermal stress is a tremendous health predicament encountered by poultry farmers with adverse effects on the performance, product stature, health condition, survival, and overall welfare of poultry birds, and so requires urgent dietary user-friendly strategy to curb. This study was conducted with 200-day old broilers for the purpose of investigating the potential of phytogenics in refining the negative effects of heat stress on broiler chicken. Moringa, Phyllanthus and mistletoe leaves were processed as phytogenic supplements and incorporated into standard ration for broilers as treatments B1 (control), B2, B3 and B4 diet during the peak of thermal discomfort in humid tropics. Growth and carcass indices were monitored in a 49-day trial and blood samples were harvested at the end of the ordeal period to assess haematology, serum biochemical and oxidative stress markers with the use of standard procedures. The results obtained showed that the prevailing environmental condition in the study site indicated that the birds were exposed to heat stress. Birds fed on moringa and mistletoe supplements had higher performance index than birds without supplementation during heat stress condition, while birds fed on mistletoe supplement had the highest survival rate across the treatments. The liveweight, slaughter weight, dressed weight and eviscerated weight of heat stressed birds fed on moringa, phyllanthus and mistletoe supplements were significantly higher than birds on control treatment. Heterophyl/lymphocyte ratio of heat stressed birds without supplement were higher than birds on phytogenic supplements, with least values recorded in phyllanthus and mistletoe fed birds. Birds on phytogenic supplement tend to have lower cholesterol profile, lipid peroxidation and better antioxidant profile than birds on control treatment during heat stress conditions. Mistletoe supplementation in broiler ration enhances the survival rate, as well as promotes growth indices better among the phytogenic supplements. However, phytogenic supplements did ameliorate the negative effects of thermal discomfort on performance, physiological and oxidative stress in heat-stressed broiler chicken.

The impact of varying doses of moringa leaf methanolic extract supplementation in the cryopreservation media on sperm quality, oxidants, and antioxidant capacity of frozen-thawed ram sperm

To increase rams' post-thaw semen quality following cryopreservation, this study used enriched Tris-based diluent with varying amounts of moringa leaf methanolic extract (MLME). The antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content were all assessed in MLME. The sperm of five healthy Awassi rams were collected, divided into 4 equal aliquots, and diluted [1:5; (v/v)] in Tris-citrate-glucose extender supplemented with 0.48, 0.56, and 0.64 mg MLME/ml or without MLME supplementation (control). The percentages of sperm total motility (STM, %), sperm progressive motility (SPM, %) and viability (V, %), abnormal morphology (AM, %), membrane functional integrity (MFI, %), and acrosome integrity (AI %) were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were measured. The total phenolic gallic acid and flavonoid catechin (equivalent) contents were 19.78 mg/g and 11.94 mg/g, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (34.37 mM TE/g) and 2,2'-azino-bis/3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (53.47 mM TE/g) were found in MLME. MLME had a 64.59 mM TE/g ferric-reducing power. In comparison to control, the addition of 0.64 mg/ml MLME to Tris-based extender resulted in the highest (P < 0.001) STM (55.22 ± 0.98), SPM (45.41 ± .70), SV (60.01 ± 1.05), MFI (75.23 ± 0.77), and AI (73.13 ± 0.72) and the lowest (P < 0.001) AM (21.34 ± 0.72) values. In comparison to the control, the addition of 0.56 mg/ml semen extender resulted in lower STM, SPM, SV, MFI, and AI with higher AM percentages. MDA (P = 0.03), NO (P = 0.012), CHO (P = 0.0001), and LDL (P = 0.004) were reduced by 0.64 mg/ml MLME, while AA (P = 0.017) and SOD (P = 0.0001) were elevated. In conclusion, the highest copper (P = 0.006) and lowest zinc concentrations in MLME (0.48 mg/ml extender) deteriorated the post-thaw semen quality, prompting us to suggest the addition of 0.64 mg MLME to rams' Tris-based semen extender.

Soursop juice enhanced seminal antioxidant defence and semen quality of rabbit bucks in extremely dry climatic condition of Southwestern Nigeria

Heat induced stress associated with dry climatic conditions in the tropics does have adverse effects reproduction in rabbits, and this in-turn impacts negatively on the income of rabbit farmers. However, natural products might prove to be a reliable, safe and cheap remedy for ameliorating reproductive such anomalies in rabbits. The potential of soursop for mitigating heat induced reproductive deficiency in rabbit bucks was investigated during the peak of dry climatic conditions in southwestern Nigeria. Sixty mixed breed (New Zealand white x Chinchilla) adult rabbit bucks were allotted to five treatments of four replicates (3 bucks per replicate) each in a completely randomized design. Soursop (Annona muricata) fruit was processed into juice using standard procedures and was designated as soursop juice. The juice was administered orally daily per kg body weight (BW), 0.55ml/kgBW distilled water (control), 0.55 ml/kgBW soursop juice, 1.11 ml/kgBW soursop juice, 1.67 ml/kgBW soursop juice and 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice to designated treatments 1 to 5, respectively for 56 days. Semen samples were collected with an improvised artificial vagina on the 28th and 56th day of the study, semen quality and seminal oxidative status were evaluated using standard procedures. Results showed that rabbit buck exposed to heat stress had lower semen quality, seminal antioxidants and increased seminal lipid peroxidation. However, the consumption of soursop juice lowered lipid peroxidation and enhanced (p < 0.05) antioxidant production in the seminal fluid of heat-stressed bucks than bucks on control group. Bucks' semen quality and antioxidant status peaks in heat-stressed bucks gavaged 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice and gives 100% recovery from the effects of heat induced stress. It can be concluded that 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice administered for 56 days did enhance spermatozoa quality and mitigated lipid peroxidation by improving antioxidant capacity of male rabbits in a dose dependent manner on extremely dry climatic conditions.