Effects of industrial and traditional (<i>Soumbala</i>) broth consumption on reproductive performance in male NMRI mice

The use of culinary broths to enhance the flavor of foods has increased in Africa in recent years. However, the side effects of these flavor enhancers, particularly on reproductive function, are still unclear. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the impact of industrial and traditional (Soumbala) broths on sex organ development and maturation, male fertility and finally hormonal function in male NMRI mice. Forty-five males (4)-week-old NMRI mice with an average body weight of 22.10 ± 1.99 g were divided into (9) groups of five (05) animals each. These animals were treated orally, daily for eight consecutive weeks with distilled water; Néré Soumbala, Soybean Soumbala; industrial broth (A) and industrial broth (B). After this treatment, the mice were submitted to a one-week fertility test. The males were then autopsied, blood and testis taken for biochemical and hormonal analysis. Sperm cells were count and their morphology studied. The testis and the epididymis were kept in 70% alcohol for histological analysis. The dose of 200 mg/kg body weight of Néré Soumbala induced an increase in testicular protein levels, testicular cholesterol, sperm count and testicular gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme activity. Industrial broths induced a non-significant (p >0.05) decrease of the number of epididymal sperm. In addition, histological damages were observed in the testes and epididymis at different doses of industrial broths (A) and (B). In contrast to industrial broths, consumption of Néré Soumbala improves male reproductive function.