Cannabinoid-deficient Benin republic hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) improves semen parameters by reducing prolactin and enhancing anti-oxidant status
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Date
2019-06-17
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BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Abstract
Background: Nigerian Cannabis sativa (hemp) causes male gonadotoxicity by inducing hyperprolactinemia,
down-regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and oxidative stress. Benin republic hemp has been
preferred by illicit users in Nigeria but its effect on male fertility is not understood. This study determined and
compared the compositions of Benin republic hemp ethanol extract (BHE) and Nigerian hemp. The effects of BHE
on semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and anti-oxidant status, and the possibility of bromocriptine
(prolactin inhibitor) to abolish hemp-induced toxicities in rats were also investigated.
Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were blindly randomized into 6 oral treatment groups (n = 6 each). Groups I
(control) and II received normal saline and bromocriptine (3 mg/kg) respectively. Groups III and IV received 2 mg/kg
of BHE alone and in combination with bromocriptine respectively, while groups V and VI received 10 mg/kg BHE
alone and in combination with bromocriptine respectively. Comparisons among the groups were done by one-way
analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc Tukey multiple comparison test. Statistical significance was considered at
p < 0.05.
Results: The BHE has no cannabichromene and tetrahydrocannabinol but a very small quantity of cannabinol and
higher quantity of fatty acids when compared to Nigerian hemp. Both doses of BHE increased sperm count,
morphology and viability but not motility. Co-administration of BHE with bromocriptine lowered sperm count but
increased sperm morphology and viability. Bromocriptine and/or BHE caused reduction in the plasma prolactin
level, increase in the plasma superoxide dismutase activity, but no significant change in the plasma gonadotropin
releasing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (except for the increase in rats that received bromocriptine+ 10
mg/kg BHE), luteinizing hormone, estradiol, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase. The 10 mg/kg BHE or
bromocriptine+BHE (both doses) increased total anti-oxidant capacity and catalase.
Conclusions: The BHE improves semen parameters by reducing plasma prolactin and enhancing plasma
anti-oxidant status. Its pro-fertility potential might be associated with its deficiency in the widely known
gonadotoxic phytocannabinoids.
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Citation
Cannabis sativa, Fatty acids, Hyperprolactinemia, Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, Oxidative stress, Semen parameters