Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
Phoenix dactylifera (date) seeds are reportedly rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with potent antioxidant properties, making them potentially relevant for improving reproductive and physiological health. This present study administered aqueous P. dactylifera seed extract to male Wistar rats, and evaluated its effects on their serum levels of male reproductive hormones, sperm counts and motility, and testicular levels of oxidative stress markers and histology. Dried date seeds were extracted with water for 48 hours, and the extract was freeze dried and refrigerated prior to use for the study. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were used for the study; they were randomly allocated into five groups (a control group and four treatment groups). The control group received 0.5 ml distilled water, while the treatment groups received 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous date seed extract orally for 35 consecutive days. The rats were humanely sacrificed 24 hours after the final dose. Blood was collected and serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were assayed. The testicles were harvested, and testicular levels of oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. Also the epididymis of each rat was harvested and epididymal sperm counts and motility were evaluated. Histological evaluation of the testis and epididymis were also done. Results showed that oral administration of the extract led to significantly higher (p < 0.05) total sperm counts in the rat groups that were given 200 and 400 mg/kg extract in a dose dependent manner. Progressive sperm motility was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the rat group that was given 400 mg/kg of the extract. Plasma testosterone levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the rat groups given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the extract, while LH levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in a dose dependent manner in the all the extract treated groups. Testicular SOD activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the rat groups given 200 and 400 mg/kg extract, whereas testicular CAT and GPx activity showed no significant variations among the groups. Testicular MDA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the rat groups given 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract. Histological examination revealed normal testicular and epididymal architecture. It was concluded that administration of aqueous P. dactylifera seed extract led to significantly higher serum levels of testosterone and LH and enhanced epididymal total sperm counts and motility in the extract-treated rats, probably through improved antioxidant defense and reduced lipid peroxidation.
Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera seed; Aqueous extract; Male rats; Epididymal sperm counts and motility; Male hormones; Testicular oxidative stress.

How to cite this article:
Francis B and Erhunmwunse J (2026). Effects of orally administered aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera (date)
seeds on reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular oxidative stress, and histology in male Wistar
rats. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(1): 1416 – 1426.

*Correspondence: E-mail: blessing.francis@uniben.edu.ng Phone: +2348030713997