EVALUATION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FUNCTIONS IN ADMINISTRATION OF COFFEE AND CAFFEINE TO FEMALE WISTAR RATS

P. R. C. Esegbue* and A. J. Uyovwiesevwa

ABSTRACT

In recent times, the increasing worldwide resort to coffee and caffeine consumption may not be unconnected with recent findings that it contains ingredients that promote male and female reproductive health. In view of this, current study investigated female reproductive health functions due to coffee administration to female wistar rats. Seventy (70) rats were procured and acclimatized (in two weeks) for the study. The rats were then grouped into seven (7) with experimental group 1 receiving standard rat diet and water ad libitum. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were respectively given 40mg/kg, 60mg/kg and 80mg/kg doses of Coffee; whereas, groups 5, 6 and 7 received 30mg/kg, 45mg/kg and 60mg/kg doses of Caffeine respectively. Following period of administration, rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood samples were then obtained (via cardiac puncture) and assayed for various reproductive hormones [Follicle Stimulating Hormone – FSH and Luteinizing Hormone - LH]. In any case, body weight and selected organ weights [Liver and Kidney] were also obtained and compared between coffee and caffeine treated rats at variable doses. Following comparison with student t-test, study found a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum FSH and LH levels following the administration of caffeine and coffee to wistar rats at all doses. Study also found a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in relative liver weight in medium dose and high doses of Caffeine but only in high dose of coffee treatment when compared to control and high dose respectively. We recommend routine addition of caffeine, coffee’s active ingredient to dietary foods of females with low reproductive tendencies.

Keywords: Reproduction, Hormone, Coffee and Caffeine.