Exploiting medicinal plant extracts to enhance male reproduction in livestock in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Résumé

Reproductive efficiency in male livestock is essential for sustainable animal production; however, the use of synthetic reproductive drugs is constrained due to its, harmful side effects, antimicrobial resistance and effect on long-term reproductive health. Therefore, use of plant extracts to enhance reproductive performance in livestock has gained attention because of their bioactive compounds, affordability, and reduced side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The review analyses the impact of specific plants in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on male reproductive performance, concentrating on libido, testicular function, hormonal levels, and semen quality. Moringa oleifera and Zingiber officinale improve libido, testicular function, hormonal status, and semen quality of male animals. The bioactive components of those plants, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating effects that collectively improve reproductive outcomes. Further research is needed to optimise dosage, ensure safety, and promote the sustainable use of these plants to prevent over exploitation of specific species. Furthermore, the sustainable use of reproductive improving plants requires their cultivation, nursery development, farmer training, and community level processing to improve availability, quality control and economic value. Male animals can access these plants through managed browsing or grazing, cut and drying leaves and controlled supplementation, supported by separation of male animals to regulate breeding and accurately assess reproductive effects.

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