Suppression of Fertility in Male Rats by Hydroethanolic Extract of Achyranthes Aspera

Abstract

The present study was designed to explore antifertility efficacy of Achyranthes aspera in male rats and to study different reproductive parameters related to male reproduction after in vivo exposure to understand the possible mechanism involved in it. Male rats were exposed to Achyranthes aspera hydroethanolic extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg for 60 days. Histological studies revealed that Achyranthes aspera hydroethanolic extract caused degeneration of Leydig cells, spermatogenic disruption and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules in the testis. Seminal vesicle and prostate secretions were blocked and comparatively less population of spermatozoa were seen in the lumen of epididymis. The serum testosterone level reduced significantly. The implantation sites in female rats were drastically reduced after treated males were mated with normal cyclic females. The level of non-enzymic and enzymic antioxidants like GSH, catalase, SOD, GPx, GR and GST were significantly lowered. Toxicity studies showed very minimal or no significant changes in the level of serum AST, ALT and creatinine of liver and kidney. It can be concluded that infertility in male rats could be due to impairment of reproductive performance as indicated by reproductive tract lesions, reduction in the level of testosterone and decrement in the levels of antioxidant enzymes.