Preliminary study on the effect of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) molasses on steroidogenesis in testicular cell cultures
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Date
2010
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Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
Blackstrap molasses has been used for centuries in the preparation of food products and have also
been used to treat numerous ailments such as high blood pressure, arthritis, ulcers, dermatitits,
eczema, constipation, colitis, varicose veins and many other health problems. Reports suggest that
blackstrap molasses may have endocrine disruptive effects in cattle. The present study investigated the
effect of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarium) molasses on steroidogenesis in testis cell culture. Testis
cell cultures were incubated with various concentrations of molasses. Luteinizing hormone was used to
stimulate the production of testosterone in the testes cell culture. Supernatants of the testes cell
cultures were then assayed for testosterone, oestradiol and cytotoxicity using commercially available
kits. Results showed that low concentrations (12 - 50 ug/ml) of molasses increase testosterone
secretion relative to control cultures (P < 0.05). None of the molasses concentrations tested were
cytotoxic. This study has shown that molasses stimulate testosterone production. Therefore, molasses
may potentially be used as a diet supplement to increase testosterone levels.
Description
Keywords
Molasses, Testosterone, Male reproductive system, Immunostimulation, High blood pressure
Citation
Rahiman, F. and Pool, E.J. (2010). Preliminary study on the effect of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) molasses on steroidogenesis in testicular cell cultures. African Journal of Food Science, 4(2): 037-040