Mitigation of Reproductive Function in Sodium Fluoride-administered Wistar Rats by Tamarindus indica Fruit Pulp Ethanol Extract

ABSTRACT Infertility is a stigmatized and emotionally challenging issue for affected individuals, often compounded by the high costs of conventional fertility treatments. This study investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of an ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp on sodium fluoride-induced sexual and reproductive dysfunction in Wistar rats. The extract was prepared via ethanol maceration, followed by filtration and drying. Seventy Wistar rats were used, with an initial acute toxicity study indicating no adverse effects at 5000 mg/kg of the extract. Following toxicity assessment, rats were divided into seven groups, with varying treatments involving Tamarindus indica extract, sodium fluoride, and clomid. After the treatment period, biochemical analyses revealed that rats treated with 400 mg/kg of Tamarindus indica extract showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in sperm count, luteinizing hormone (in males), testosterone, estrogen, along with reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (in males), and luteinizing hormone (in females). Histopathological examination revealed normal histomorphology in certain groups treated with the extract. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of tannins and steroids in the extract. The study concluded that Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract exhibits both prophylactic and therapeutic effects on sodium fluoride-induced sexual and reproductive dysfunction in rats, with the most significant effects observed at a 400 mg/kg dosage. These findings suggest that Tamarindus indica extract could serve as an alternative to conventional treatments for infertility.