Rats testosterone level and reproductive organ weight treated by kapok (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.) seed extract

Abstract

Uncontrolled population of dogs can be avoided if pet owner can find easy and inexpensive methods to prevent pregnancy in their dogs. The use of natural ingredients for contraception derived from plants is called herbal contraception. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound produced by pigment glands, especially in the seeds of cotton plants (Gossipium sp). Cotton seeds, a primary content of gossypol, is an antifertility substance that affects reproductive hormones control and has a cytotoxic effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of kapok seed extract on male reproductive system by measuring blood serum testosterone level and weight of male reproductive organs. The administrations of kapok seed extract in male rats were given 0.5 ml/rat/day by gavage method for 33 days. Thirty two male rats were divided into 4 groups i.e. control group (only given aquadest) and treatment groups namelyT1, T2 and T3 which were given kapok seed extract at the doses of 0.07; 0.12 and 0.24 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. The administration of kapok seed extract (Ceiba pentandra Gaertn) decreased the testosterone level and the weight of the reproductive organs of male rats (Rattus norvegicus).