Suppression of fertility by <em>Capparis spinosa</em> root extract through antioxidant alteration in reproductive system of male rats

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the suppression of fertility by oral mode of Capparis spinosa root extract through alteration in antioxidant defence of the reproductive system of male albino rats. Methods: The methanol extract of Capparis spinosa root (100mg/kg/day) was fed for 60 days to male, Wistar strain, albino rats. The fertility and testicular functions were assessed by mating tests, antioxidant defence indices, and spermatogenesis, histometry, and biochemical estimations for fertility suppression along with serum biochemistry and hematology for assessment of toxicology. Results: Capparis spinosa root extract administration for a period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss significantly, while the weight of testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were significantly reduced. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels i.e. superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reduced, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and Vitamin E in testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were altered significantly (P<0.001) after the 60 days treatment of Capparis spinosa extract when compared to the controls. The root extract feeding caused a marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids however spermatogonia population showed non-significant change. Sertoli cell population was also affected. The number of mature Leydig cells was decreased and degenerating cells increased proportionately. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly (P<0.001) when compared to the controls. The protein and sialic acid content of the testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were significantly (P<0.001) decreased. The glycogen in testes and fructose in seminal vesicle was also significantly reduced, whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated as compared with the controls. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in a total suppression of fertility. The RBC and WBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in whole blood whereas marker enzymes and glucose in serum were found to be within the normal range after the 60 days of Capparis spinosa extract treatment. Conclusion: Capparis spinosa root extract may selectively act on developing germ cells mediated via Sertoli cells through increased oxidative stress or impairment of antioxidant defence system in reproductive organs of male rats, leading to suppression of fertility and suggests the feasibility of developing non-toxic, herbal male contraceptive drug.