Physalis minima Linn methanolic extract reduces blood glucose level without compromising sperm quality in normoglycaemic mice

Abstract

Effects of Physalis minima Linn (PML) methanolic extract on blood glucose level and sperm quality of normoglycaemic mice have been investigated. Twenty four ICR male mice were randomly assigned to four groups and fed with maintenance diets (commercial rat chow, 5 g/head/day and water ad-libitum). Group A (n=6) served as a control and received additional 2 ml/kg bodyweight (bwt) of distilled water. Group B, C and D were supplemented with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bwt of PML, respectively. Bodyweight and blood glucose level were monitored on a weekly basis. After four weeks of treatment, all animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and their epididymis was collected and subjected to sperm analysis. Bodyweight was increased (p<0.05) over time but no differences (p>0.05) were observed between treatments. Blood glucose was decreased significantly (p<0.05) in PML treated groups (dose dependent manner) compared to control. Sperm quality was not affected with PML supplementation. In conclusion, PML methanolic extract exhibit hypoglycaemic effect without affecting sperm quality in male mice.