ANTI-FERTILITY EFFECTS OF YAJI AND THE AMELIORATIVE ROLES OF RECOVERY AND OMEGA-3 ON TESTICULAR BIOMETRY AND SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVEL OF ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Infertility is a global health concern, with male factors contributing to nearly half of the cases. While Yaji, a Nigerian spice, is linked to hormonal disruption and reproductive toxicity, omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to show protective effects on reproductive organs. This study investigated the anti-fertility effects of Yaji and the ameliorative roles of recovery and omega-3 on testicular biometry and serum testosterone level of albino Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n=25) were randomly divided into the following experimental groups: Group A: control, B-C: (300mg/kg and 500mg/kg of yaji), D:500mg/kg of yaji and 4mg/kg of omega-3 and E:(recovery group):500mg/kg yaji +two weeks withdrawal. Yaji and omega-3 were administered orally. Body weight was measured, and serum testosterone, testicular weight, and testicular volume were assessed at sacrifice. Data were statistically analysed (Mean±SEM), and (p < 0.05) was used as a measure of significance. Yaji administration caused a marked increase in the percentage change in body weight, a slight decrease in testicular weight and testicular volume, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum testosterone levels compared to the control. Nonetheless, omega-3 supplementation alleviated these effects, showing a positive development in testicular biometry and significant testosterone production (p < 0.05). The recovery groups also exhibited significant (p < 0.05) reversal of the Yaji-induced endocrine disruption, indicating recovery. Chronic use of yaji is associated with anti-fertility effects on testicular biometry and endocrine disturbances, whereas supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and yaji withdrawal exhibits protective and restorative effect; therefore, dietary caution and omega-3 fatty acids supplements are warranted to protect male fertility.