Effects of ethanolic fruit extract of solanum aethiopicum (L.) on saccharin induced hyperlipidemia and sperm abnormalities in male wistar rats

 Saccharin is approximately 300 times sweeter than sucrose, and since its discovery, there has been several controversies regarding its potential toxicity as chronic saccharin consumption negatively influences biochemical parameters. Subsequently, Solanum aethiopicum is a good source of bioactive compounds that can be used to treat a variety of ailments including nervous, respiratory, visual, renal, circulatory and fertility issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanolic fruit extract of Solanum Aethiopicum (L.) on saccharin induced hyperlipidemia and sperm abnormalities in male Wistar rats.

 In this experimental study, 16 Wistar rats were divided into four groups (Groups 1 to 4) comprising of four Wistar Rats per group. Group 1 (control) was given distilled water and feed only, group 2 was administered saccharin (10 mg), group 3 were administered saccharin (10 mg) and 50 mg of extract, while group 4 was administered saccharin (10 mg) and 100 mg of extract. The extract was administered for 21 days, then the rats were sacrificed and blood sample was collected through cardiac puncture for Lipid profile test. Also, semen analysis was conducted to assess sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. The differences between the four groups were determined using one-way analysis of variance, and results were considered to be significant at p ≤ 0.05.

 The results showed that saccharin adversely affected lipid profile and sperm parameters in Wistar Rats. Also, ethanolic fruit extract of Solanum aethiopicum caused a significant dose-dependent increase of lipid profile and sperm parameters in Wistar Rats administered saccharin.

 Solanum aethiopicum is beneficial for treatment of sperm abnormalities and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended that the fruit be utilized as a less expensive alternative in clinical therapies for treating sperm abnormalities and hyperlipidemia.