Mitigating Effects of Methanol Extract of Phoenix Dactylifera on Fluoxetine-induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Adekunle Olabisi Muinat¹, Ashamu Ebenezer Adeola¹, Adebayo Taiwo Oluwaseyi¹

1. Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. 

ABSTRACT 

Fluoxetine, a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been linked to male reproductive toxicity including compromised sperm quality and hormone levels. Conversely, Phoenix dactylifera is known for its antioxidant and fertility-enhancing properties. This study explored the impact of methanol extract of Phoenix dactylifera (PDL) on fluoxetine-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats, focusing on epididymal weight, sperm parameters and hormone profiles. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): Group A (distilled water), Group B (PDL 200 mg/kg), Group C (PDL 400 mg/kg), Group D (fluoxetine 20 mg/kg), Group E (PDL 200 mg/kg + fluoxetine 20 mg/kg), and Group F (PDL 400 mg/kg + fluoxetine 20 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 57 days and rats were sacrificed on day 58. Epididymal weight, sperm motility, sperm count; and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone were evaluated. Histological examination of the epididymis was also performed to assess histoarchitecture. Results revealed that epididymal weight, sperm count, sperm motility, FSH, LH and Testosterone levels decreased significantly in group D compared to A. Dose dependent improvement in sperm parameters and hormone levels were observed in Groups B and C. Rats in groups E and F showed reversal of fluoxetine-induced reproductive toxicity, and improvement in epididymal weight and sperm count when compared to rats in group A. Histological examination showed preservation of the epididymal structure in groups B and C. These findings suggest that PDL extract has the ability to mitigate fluoxetine-induced reproductive toxicity possibly due to its antioxidant properties. Further research is recommended to investigate its clinical potential in managing male infertility associated with antidepressant therapy. 

KEYWORDS: Phoenix dactylifera, Antidepressants, Epididymis, Sperm parameters, Reproductive toxicity.