African cherry may damage fertility in men - New studies show
- African cherry, popularly known in Yoruba as Agbalumo, has several health benefits and is popularly used by traditional medical experts in Nigeria
- However, new studies have shown that extracts from African cherry may damage male fertility
- The studies further indicate that African cherry extracts can further be researched as there are possibilities of using it for male contraceptive
Herbal extracts from the popular fruit, African Cherry, also known as African star apple, may lead to male infertility, new studies have shown.
A report published by The Guardian, citing some academic studies, says ethanolic root bark extract of African cherry may damage fertility in men.
African cherry (its extracts), known as Agbalumo in the Yoruba language, Udala in Igbo, Efik and Ibibio, and Agwaluma in Hausa, is commonly used by traditional medical experts in Nigeria to treat several health problems.
Source: UGC
The plant has natural antioxidants which promote health by acting against oxidative stress-related disease such as; diabetics, cancer and coronary heart diseases.
Its bark is used for the treatment of yellow fever and malaria while the leaf is used as an emollient and for the treatment of skin eruption, stomachache and diarrhoea, among other health benefits.
New studies have, however, shown that herbs/extracts from African cherry can lead to infertility in men.
The scientific name for African cherry is Chrysophyllum albidum.
A study titled The Effect Of Chrysophyllum Albidum Fruit On Testicular Functions In Rats investigated the effects of C. albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats.
Findings from the study indicate that C. albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.
Another study published in the International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products by some Nigerian researchers also confirmed the adverse effects of African cherry extracts on male fertility.
The title of the study is Antifertility Effects Of Ethanolic Root Bark Extract of Chrysophyllum Albidum in Male Albino Rats.
The study's findings showed that extracts from African cherry suppress the hormonal levels and sperm production in rats.
The study shows that extracts from the African cherry can be further studied as there is the possibility of developing it to produce cheap, acceptable and easy available contraceptive for men.
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Meanwhile, another study has shown that abstaining from food for 16 to 18 hours a day can help in treating some health conditions and help to achieve a longer life span.
CNN reports that a review of past animal and human studies in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can reduce blood pressure, assist in weight loss and improve life span.
Legit.ng gathered that the study encourages doctors to prescribe fasting to prevent or treat obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
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Source: Legit.ng
