Neem Seed Extract: it’s Effect(s) on Semen Quality and Lipid Peroxidation

Azadirachta indica, locally called Dongo yaro is one ubiquitous native herb in Nigeria today. Though yet to be fully explored by orthodox and trado-medical practitioners, its positive and/or hazardous effect(s) remain(s) a “mysterious†to researchers, the academia, public and health care providers. In view of this, this study was instigated to investigate and chronicle (where found), the exact effect(s), that extracts from Dongo yaro (Neem Oil) will pose on the male reproductive gamete; specifically semen quality, as well as lipid peroxidation levels. To achieve this, semen from thirty (30) Normo-zoospermic males was obtained from Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Edo State. Specimens were then categorized under two groups (A and B) based on incubation periods per incrementally added quantities of semen and neem oil. With groups A and B respectively allotted 15 specimens (n = 15 each) for their respective subgroups (A1 through A15 and B1 through B15), test-tubes A1 through A3, and subgroup B1 (comprising of 3 specimen) were left untreated with Neem oil, thus acting as controls. photocolorimetric results show, upon comparison with other experimental groups (A4 through A3 and subgroups B2 through B5), that prolonged increase in the quantity of Dongo Yaro extract (Neem Oil) has a negative effect on male reproductive gametes, as it caused high reduction in semen quality while increasing lipid peroxidation levels as well.