A research conducted by researchers at the Department of Pharmacology, of the University of Cape Coast has revealed that herb-based alcoholic beverages do not enhance or exert a beneficial effect on male reproductive function.
According to the research, they are "rather toxic to sperms”.
The researchers, led by Dr. Robert Peter Biney, in their paper titled, “Effects of three herb-based alcoholic beverages manufactured in Ghana on sperm characteristics and reproductive hormones in rats” which was published in the 2020 edition of the Scientific African journal, found damaging effects of 3 Ghanaian herb-based alcoholic beverages on sperms of rats.
Most advertisements for alcoholic beverages in Ghana entice consumers with herbal constituents believed to enhance sexual performance, although, alcohol has been known to negatively affect fertility.
With little known about the impact of herbal components of these alcoholic beverages on fertility, the study wanted to evaluate the effects of selected alcoholic beverages manufactured in Ghana on male reproductive function, using rats.
Laboratory rats were then given the herbal alcoholic beverages for 21 days after which the scientists collected blood samples, removed their testes, and analysed them.
These beverages contained plants such as Khaya senegalensis or ‘Kuntunkuri’, Xylopia aethiopica or ‘hwentia’, Anthocleista nobilis or ‘Bontodee’, and ginger as the base herbs.
Several medicinal properties have been attributed to these herbs. Khaya senegalensis has anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodial effects while Xylopia aethiopica has demonstrable anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant properties. Anthocleista nobilis has been reported to possess wound healing and anti-plasmodial effects while Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombosis effects.
However, whether these medicinal plants can produce a beneficial effect when used as a base for alcoholic beverages was yet to be proven.
At the end of the study, they found the selected preparations reduced sperm count and sperm motility as compared to those who were even given only alcohol. Interestingly, the drinks containing ‘Kuntunkuri’ had the most damaging effect on the sperms.
They report that herb-based beverages containing K. senegalensis caused a depletion of spermatogenic cells with a corresponding loss of architecture of seminiferous tubules which could result in male infertility.
The team of researchers want to caution consumers to “be mindful of the potentially deleterious effects of locally manufactured herb-based alcoholic beverages.”
Latest Stories
-
35th CIMG Awards: Full list of winners
1 hour -
The Multimedia Group wins big at CIMG Awards 2023
2 hours -
Bernard Mornah wins PNC flagbearship race
2 hours -
Video: Confusion at PNC National Executives election
3 hours -
Rapper E.L. joins King Promise as Guinness Accravaganza headliner for September 21 showdown
4 hours -
PNC Congress: Bernard Mornah leads in Greater Accra Region
4 hours -
Reject violence, divisive rhetoric, embrace peace ahead of elections – Bawumia appeals to Ghanaians
5 hours -
SEFF’s debut single ‘Father’ sets stage for bold new talent
6 hours -
Super typhoon Yagi kills four in Vietnam
6 hours -
Hollard Insurance-UENR Mentoring Day: Students urged to let hard work, integrity shine to advance career
6 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Vision FC opens campaign with draw against Berekum Chelsea
6 hours -
If Baba Yara pitch was good, Mumin clears the ball – Laryea Kingston
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Samartex begin title defence with draw against Dreams FC
7 hours -
Financing road construction and maintenance through a special fuel levy: A sustainable solution for Ghana’s road infrastructure
7 hours -
Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024 launched to honor positive social influence
8 hours