Aframomum melegueta: An Aqueous Seed Extract’s Role in Enhancing Male Fertility

Male infertility is estimated to affect over 30 million men around the world, with a prevalence of 2.5% - 12%. Plants, including Aframomum melegueta, are valued for their nutritive and medicinal properties, particularly on the reproductive system, due to bioactive compounds. This study examined the effects of Aframomum melegueta aqueous seed extract (AMASE) on male reproductive parameters Twenty-five adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-190 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n=5). AMASE was orally administered at doses of 115, 230, 345, and 460 mg/kg daily for 21 days alongside a naïve control group. Blood and reproductive organs were collected post-treatment for hormonal, histological, and sperm quality assessments. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test comparing the various treatments to the naïve control group. Treatment with 345 mg/kg AMASE significantly increased prostate gland weight (p=0.038). Sperm concentration significantly increased in all treated groups, with 345 and 460 mg/kg showing the most pronounced effects (p < 0.0001), while sperm morphology improved significantly at 345 mg/kg (p = 0.0013). Testosterone levels exhibited a biphasic response, with a significant increase at 115 mg/kg (p = 0.0009) and a decline at 460 mg/kg. Histological analysis confirmed preserved testicular structure at 115 and 230 mg/kg, enhanced spermatogenesis at 345 mg/kg, and alterations at 460 mg/kg. Although AMASE exhibited selective activity improving sperm concentration and morphology without affecting motility or viability, it demonstrated promising potential as a fertility-enhancing agent.