M. A. EMOKPAE

The World Health Organization reported that over 186 million couples in developed countries suffered from infertility a condition that is more worrisome in the so-called infertility belt of sub- Saharan Africa and about 40-50 % of the problem is attributed to men. Long Jack XXXL Sperm Enhancer an herbal supplement containing long jack (Eurycoma longifolia) commonly referred to as Tongkat Ali, siberian ginseng, maca extract, fenugreek extract and horny goat weed. It has been revered for its aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Long Jack sperm enhancer supplementation on the sperm quality and quantity in male Wistar rats. The rats were grouped into five and administered varying concentration of Long Jack XXXL excluding the control group for 28 days. Group 1 was given commercial rat feed and water, group 2 received 10 mg/kg Long Jack dissolved in 2 mL distilled water, group 3 received 20 mg/kg Long Jack dissolved in 2 mL distilled water, group 4 received 40 mg/kg Long Jack dissolved in 2 mL distilled water and group 5 received 80 mg/kg Long Jack dissolved in 2 mL distilled water orally by gavage. On day 29 the rats were sacrificed and the caudal epididymis was excised for semen analysis. The Sperm count increased from the control group 1(8.57±2.0), to 9.6±1.9 group 2, to 9.2±2.5 (group 3), to 9.9±2.2 (group 4), to 10.1±1.2 (group 5). The differences in the means were however not statistically significant (p>0.5) when compared with control. There was no difference in the mean progressive motility, non- progressive motility, immotile form, normal morphology and abnormal morphology when compared with control. Long Jack sperm enhancer did not significantly increase sperm quantity and quantity of male Wistar rat.

Herbal products, derived from plant sources, have been integrated into traditional medicine systems and are gaining widespread popularity in contemporary health practices. This study seeks to examine the phyto-chemical compositions of Long Jack and Sperm Boom herbal products sold in Nigerian markets. This is important to identify the presence of synthetic adulterant in the products. The herbal products were dissolved in appropriate diluents and analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatographic technique with Ultra Violet radiation. Long Jack contains twelve phyto-chemical constituents (ppm) which are: Eurycomanone (255.3), Canthin-6-one (130.9), Niloticin (66.8), Scopoletin (266.7), Eurylene (98.4), Eurycomalide A(209.2), Pasakbumin A(466.4), Pasakbumin C (103.0), Longilactone (133.0), 4-hydroxyglaucarubol (74.3), Laurycolactone (116.1) and Beta-Carboline (136.9). Maca sperm boom contains eleven phyto-chemical constituents (ppm): Macaene (31.4), Macaridine (222.3), Gingerol (104.4), Beta-Sitosterol (197.4), Stigmasterol (248.8), Testosterone Decanoate (36.0), Paraxytriol (56.2), Rotundifolioside (56.0), Lanatoside (63.3), Kuwanon G (64.2) and Laricitrin (80.2). No synthetic chemical substance was identified using this method.These identified bioactive compounds are associated with various health benefits, such as enhancing sexual stamina, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic properties. Quality assurance measures, including analytical techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), are crucial in ensuring the authenticity and safety of herbal products. Understanding their phytoconstituent composition and implementing robust quality control measures are imperative for ensuring efficacy and safety.