Abstract
A crude 50% ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad roots was administered orally to male albino rats at dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt./day for a period of 60 days for evaluation of antifertility effects. Significant decreases in cauda epididymal sperm motility, density, number of pups and fertility were observed in all treatment groups. A marked reduction in the weight of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicle was observed. The weight of the ventral prostate was nonsignificantly decreased. The histoarchitecture of testis revealed degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at the stage of round spermatid, cytolysis and lumen filled with eosinophilic material. Seminiferous tubule diameter and Leydig cell nuclear diameter were decreased. A marked alteration in the Leydig cell differential counts was also noticed. The Sertoli cell nuclear diameter was unchanged. The concentration of cholesterol in testis, fructose in seminal vesicle and protein and sialic acid in all reproductive sex organs were depleted. Serum testosterone levels were markedly decreased in all treatment groups. In conclusion, a 50% ethanol extract of C. colocynthis roots produced antifertility activity in male albino rats.
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