Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi

Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 September 2026 in Preprints.org
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RMRantloko Rolly Maapola
Rantloko Rolly Maapola
Khathutshelo Agree NephaweKhathutshelo Agree Nephawe
Khathutshelo Agree Nephawe
JNJabulani Nkululeko Ngcobo
Jabulani Nkululeko Ngcobo
AKAnanias Hodi Kgopa
Ananias Hodi Kgopa
NMNtwanano Sipho Mapfumari
Ntwanano Sipho Mapfumari
MMMasindi Lottus Mphaphathi
Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi
Epididymal sperm preservation provides an alternative means of utilizing valuable bull genetic material when conventional semen collection is not possible. However, sperm quality declines during liquid storage, partly due to oxidative stress and the absence of protective seminal plasma components. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of hexane Pelargonium graveolens extract in Vero cells and its effects on the quality of liquid-preserved bull epididymal sperm. Cytotoxicity of the extract was first assessed in Vero cells using the MTT assay. Subsequently, twenty bull testes were collected from a local abattoir, and epididymal spermatozoa were recovered by retrograde flushing. Samples were diluted in a Tris-based extender containing 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 mg/mL hexane Pelargonium graveolens extract and stored at 5°C for 120 hours. Sperm motility and kinematic parameters were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours using the Sperm Class Analyzer® system. Data were analysed using the General Linear Model procedure. The extract reduced MTT-derived Vero-cell viability, with the lowest mean viability (5.28%) at 2.5 mg/mL; the response across intermediate concentrations was not consistently monotonic. At 120 hours, the 5 mg/mL treatment recorded the highest total sperm motility (87.52 ± 4.49%) and differed from the control (59.42 ± 4.49%), whereas the 2.5, 7.5 and 10 mg/mL treatments did not differ from the control. Non-progressive motility did not differ among treatments. These results suggest that, at optimal concentrations 5 mg/mL hexane Pelargonium graveolens extract can serve as a natural epididymal sperm additive, while higher concentrations (10 mg/mL) appeared less effective in preserving sperm quality, highlighting the importance of dose optimization. Future studies should investigate extracts prepared using solvents of different polarity to determine whether additional bioactive compounds further improve sperm preservation. Moreover, identifying and optimizing specific compounds could help determine those that are both safe and effective for bull epididymal sperm preservation.