In vivo effects of black tea on the male rat reproductive system and functions of the kidney and liver

This study focused on the effects of black tea on the male reproductive system as well as the kidney and liver functions. Male Wistar rats were given aqueous extract of black tea (2% and 5%) for 52 days as the only means of drinking fluid, while control rats received tap water. Black tea enhanced sperm vitality (44%–49%), total sperm motility (10%–12%) and acrosome reaction (2%–9%) (p .05). Black tea (5%) increased kidney weight (p < .05). Testis and epididymis showed normal histological appearance. However, black tea significantly reduced the diameter (9%–10%) and epithelial height (9%–10%) of the seminiferous tubule, but increased the epithelial height of the cauda epididymis (8%–24%) (p