Herbal contraceptive effect of Abrus precatorius, Ricinus communis, and Syzygium aromaticum on anatomy of the testis of male Swiss albino mice

Abstract

The present research was designed to explore in vivo herbal contraceptive effects on the anatomy of the testis in male Swiss albino mice and to observe that whether the herbal extracts depart any baleful effects on the genitalia or not. Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) at 30 days (purchased from ICDDR, B; avg. b.wt: 25-28 gm) were divided into two (2) groups (10 mice in each group: 7 male + 3 male). Treated group was administered orally with an aqueous extract of the three (3) herbal plants except the control group. Treatment was started at 60 days of age and mice of all groups were fed with standard feed (mice pellet) and water ad libitum. After experimental period, mice were ethically sacrificed and testes were collected for anatomical (gross & histological) studies after processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) stain for histo-pathological investigation. Gross anatomically testis of treated mice reduced in size and pale in color. Histologically, number of seminiferous tubules, sertoli & leydig cells and amount of spermatozoa within the lumen of seminiferous tubules decreased. Derangement of the seminiferous tubules along with the presence of a thick fibrous layer and vacuoles were found within and between the seminiferous tubules in the treated group T. The aforesaid changes with a good contraception rate (75%) and devoid of any baleful effects (as the commercial pills do) on the male gonad (testis) suggesting that these herbal extracts might be future use-worthy.