HISTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE TESTES AND HORMONAL PROFILE OF ADULT MALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS FOLLOWING ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (NUTMEG)

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1. &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong><strong>Background of the Study</strong></p><p>Myristica fragrans (of the family of Myristica ceae), is a plant which bears seeds, and the seeds are ground into powder and commonly referred to as Nutmeg. The Nutmeg plant, myristica fragrans Houtt, is a member of the small family called myristicaceace, taxanonomically placed between the Annonaceae and Lauraceae (Joseph, 1980). Dried nutmeg is grayish brown ovals with furrowed surface (Brierley, 1994). At present, myristicaceae is considered as a member of Magnotiales or its taxonomical equivalent (Conquist,1983).The tree which bears these seeds grows up to 10 – 20 m tall and is indigenous to India, Indonesia, and srilanka. (Hayfaa <em>et al., </em>2013).</p><p>Nutmeg is widely accepted as a flavouring agent. Nutmeg and its oleoresin are used in the preparation of meat products, sauces, baked foods, confectionaries, puddings, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.modishproject.com/chemical-composition-of-some-lesser-known-wild-fruits-and-vegetables-consumed-in-ayamelum-local-government-area-of-anambra-state/">seasoning of meat and vegetables</a>, to flavor milk dishes and punches. Medicinally nutmeg is known to be stimulants and has carminative properties (Lagouri <em>et al., </em>1995). In pregnancy and lactation, traditionally nutmeg has been used as an abortificient; though this has largely been discounted, but remains a persistent cause of nutmeg intoxication in women (De Milto <em>et al., </em>2005).</p><p>The active ingredient in nutmeg is called myristicine. Cytotoxic and apotoxic effects of myristicine have been reported such that cell viability was reduced by exposure to myristicine in a dose dependent manner (Lee <em>et al.,</em>&nbsp;2005).</p><p>The testis – also called testicles are two oval-shaped organs in the male reproductive system. They are contained in sac of skin called the scrotum.</p><p>Structures within the tests are important for the production and storage of sperm until they are mature enough for ejaculation. The testis also produce a hormone called testosterone which is responsible for sex drive, fertility and development of muscle and bone mass. The blood testis barrier also helps to prevent some substances that may be considered injurious or toxic from destroying the parenchyma of the testis. It would therefore be worthwhile to examine the effects of oral administration of nutmeg on the histology of the testis, as well as its effects on hormone (Testosterone) thereby corroborating previous works done by other researchers (Olaleye <em>et al.,</em>&nbsp;2006), or disproving the toxic effects of nutmeg in this organ with the view of advising the consumers on the inherent dangers of excessive consumption of the spice.</p> <br><p></p>