Antifertility Potential Research Articles

Neem Leaves Extract Reduces Sex Steroids and Gonadal Function in Female Wistar Albino Rats

The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Asia and Africa. This study aimed to investigate the possible anti-fertility potential of dietary neem leaves' extract in female Wistar albino rats as. This model could be further applied to stray dogs. In this experiment 24 adult female albino Wister rats were divided into two groups: control and treated with neem leave extract, they were tested for estrous regularity by vaginal smears, progesterone, and estrogen hormone were measured. Ovarian caspase-3 expression and histopathological inspection were examined. The results have revealed reducing sex steroids, increment in ovarian caspase-3 expression, and histological deteriorations in the ovary and uterus. The study concluded that neem flower extract can be used as an antifertility agent in animals.

Phytochemical screening, molecular docking, antifertility investigations, and ADME potential of various extracts of Pandanus odoratissimus leaves.

The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular docking characteristics and antifertility impacts of petroleum ether extract (PEEPO) and chloroform (CHEPO) derived from Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) leaves. TriposSybyl-X 2.1 for molecular docking and Swiss ADME for ADME predictions were used. Antifertility activity was determined by using two invivo animal models, with a focus on estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity and anti-implantation effects. The findings showed that at different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), PEEPO had more anti-implantation effect than CHEPO. After taking either extract orally for up to 4,000 mg/kg, no acute toxicity was found. Furthermore, both extracts substantially raised blood oestrogen levels while lowering serum cholesterol and LDL levels, improving their antiimplantation and estrogenic activities, whether given alone or in combination with ethinyl estradiol. Molecular docking scores suggested strong interactions between phytochemicals in the extracts and estrogen receptors. ADME studies highlighted four phytochemicals present in PO leaves, showing high gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier permeability, and negative Log Kp values, indicating their potential as antifertility agents. The phytochemicals in both PEEPO and CHEPO demonstrated promising antifertility potential and interactions with estrogen receptors. Isolation of these phytochemicals could lead to the development of effective herbal antifertility formulations.

Evaluation of Antifertility Potential of <i>Entada rheedii</i> Spreng Seed Kernel Extract in Female Wistar Rats

Background: Population growth has created a global dilemma, putting burden on economic, social, and ecological resources. Entada rheedii Spreng (ERS) seeds have many medicinal properties. In folkloric medicine, seeds are used as contraceptives, but no studies available. Aim: To evaluate antifertility potential of ERS seed kernel extract in female Wistar rats. Method: 90 Female Wistar rats with regular oestrus cycles and proven fertility were included. Methanol extract of ERS seed kernel was used in dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg by oral route. Part I-Reproductive outcome rats were kept for mating after 8 days’ initial drug treatment which continued for 21 days, number of litters was measured. Mothers were observed for regain of fertility and pubs for teratogenicity. Part II-Animals kept for mating followed by 7 days’ drug treatment, Laparotomy done on the 10th day, number of implants checked and after delivery litter size counted. Part-III Abortifacient effect rats kept for mating. Laparotomy done on day 10, drug treatment was given for 21 days and again laparotomy was done and resorption of implants was measured. Blood withdrawal done from the rats of reproductive outcome for hormonal estimation. Data analyzed with Graph Pad Prism 6. Results: The control rats showed a significant increase in litter numbers compared to treated animal in both the doses of ERS low (P < 0.001) and high (P < 0.001). Pubs appeared normal and reversal of effect in the form of gain of fertility after 21 days of treatment was evident. The treatment with ERS extract resulted in a statistical increase in the resorption index (P < 0.001) suggesting a failure of embryonic development. Anti-implantation and abortifacient action were seen with both doses of ERS. Conclusion: Results show that ERS seed kernel has potential and reversible antifertility effect in female Wistar rats.

Antifertility potential of the extracts of <i>Aloe barbadensis</i> Miller on the testes and reproductive hormones of male rats

There is a plethora of effective female contraceptives with varied efficacy, usability, and acceptability levels but not for males, who have condoms with a high failure rate and vasectomy with poor reversibility. This study was to determine the antifertility potential of the extracts of Aloe barbadensis as a herbal contraceptive for males. Gel and aqueous leaf extracts of Aloe barbadensis were administered orally to thirty-five sexually matured albino male rats for 30 days, to determine their effects on the reproductive hormones and histopathology of the testes. The animals were divided into 7 groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each group was for a treatment regimen having 5 rats. Group A, the Control, was given a normal ration and water. Groups B, C, and D were administered 10mg/kg, 30mg/kg, and 70mg/kg of fresh A. barbadensis gel daily for 30 days while groups E, F, and G were administered 10mg/kg, 30mg/kg, and 70mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract respectively. A significant reduction in testosterone levels (p<0.05), insignificant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and an increase in luteinizing hormone levels that were also not significant (p>0.05) were observed. Histopathological alterations of disrupted cytoarchitecture, absence of Leydig cells, and scanty spermatozoa in the lumen of seminiferous tubules were observed in the tissues of the testes of the treated groups of rats, and as such the extracts may be possible effective natural antifertility agents for males although, toxic constituents of the plant extracts should be screened out before it is allowed for consumption.

Antifertility potential of leaves and seeds of Delonix regia in female rats

Objective: To evaluate the antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. leaves and seeds which are traditionally being used by Yanadi tribe to treat dysmenorrhea. Methods: Three experimental animal models, including anti-implantation, early abortifacient, and estrogenic activity in female rats, were used for evaluation of the antifertility activity of both extracts at two dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally). There were five groups in the anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity while six groups in estrogenic activity including the standard. The number of implants, resorptions, vaginal cornification, body weight, uterus weight, and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: At doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, the leaf extract was found to have strong anti-implantation action. The extract administered at the same doses also caused a significant rise in the number of resorptions, showing early abortifacient activity, increased uterine weight, and altered numerous biochemical parameters. Meanwhile, the seed extract only displayed slight anti-implantation activity at both levels. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, we can conclude that the leaf extract outperformed the seed extract in terms of antifertility activity, exhibiting potent estrogenic, anti-implantation and early abortifacient activities in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are consistent with the literature study and corroborate to the antifertility activity of the plant.

Potential antifertility and antimicrobial activities of plants used in traditional medicines: A review

Population explosion is a main cause of poverty, health problems, pollution and illiteracy across the world especially in developing countries like India. Nature always has been a source of remedies, many plants and their products have been used in modern pharmacopeia to control and manage different kinds of diseases. A number of traditional medicinal plants extracts have been explored to evaluate effects on fertility in male and female animals and some of them have promising antifertility effects, since synthetic, hormonal and other contraceptives available for fertility control have some drawbacks and side effects in users. Survey of literature enumerates those medicinal plants which show antifertility and antimicrobial properties. In present review we aim to provide information about different medicinal plants with their botanical names, common names and name of their family those have been reported with their antifertility and antimicrobial activities.

Phytochemical Composition of Extracts from Acacia nilotica Pods and Albizia lebbeck Stem Bark and Their Effect on Morphologies of Rat Spermatozoa

The study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of crude extracts from Acacia nilotica pods and Albizia lebbeck stem bark and tested the potential effects of their extracts on M. natalensis spermatozoa morphologies. A portion of the grounded materials from each plant was extracted in distilled water and 70% methanol. The aqueous and methanolic plant extracts were assessed for the phytochemicals with antifertility potentials. Also, a total of 90 male rats were randomized into 9 groups (n = 10) and treated with either A. lebbeck or A. nilotica methanolic extracts for 15, 30, or 60 days. Results indicated that in both plants flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols were present in the aqueous and methanolic extracts. Judged by the intensity of colour change after a chemical reaction, saponin was more intensely present in both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the A. lebbeck stem barks while flavonoids and tannins were relatively more present in the A. nilotica sourced corresponding extracts. Spermatozoa with normal head-abnormal tail, normal head-tailless, abnormal head-normal tail, and both head and tail distortion were more revealed in rats treated with either A. nilotica or A. lebbeck extracts relative to the control. In conclusion, the studied A. nilotica and A. lebbeck extracts are rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and phenols that possess some antifertility properties as reflected on the observed adverse effects on rat spermatozoa morphologies.

Antifertility Potential of n-Butanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Penicillium oxalicum OM282858 in Male Albino Rats as Biological Control Agents

Rodents cause significant damage to many crops, spread diseases, and pose a severe risk to public health. Several synthetic contraceptive agents are available for controlling rodents; however, their use is associated with toxic effects on non-target organisms. Penicillium oxalicum has several medical properties, but no reports were available on fertility. This study aimed to assess the antifertility potential of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum in adult male albino rats as biological control agents by lowering the population size of rodent pests. Rats were assigned into three groups (n = 36). The first control group (GI) was injected intraperitoneally with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The second (GII) and third (GIII) groups were injected with a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum intraperitoneally, respectively, after dissolving in 0.5% DMSO. Further, P. oxalicum was identified morphologically and molecularly and then submitted with accession number OM282858 to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The antifertility potential of P. oxalicum was evaluated after 24 h (the injection period), 96 h, and 168 h (the recovery periods) of treatments. The effects of the treatments on organ weight, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and sperm characteristics were assessed. Both P. oxalicum extracts caused changes in reproductive organ weights, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and spermatogenic arrest accompanied by a significant decrease in the count of epididymal sperm and its motility and an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during the injection and recovery periods. Thus, the results suggest that both P. oxalicum extract treatments cause suppression of fertility in adult male rats. Therefore, these outcomes are essential for public health, farming establishments, and vertebrate pest control managers.

The reversible effects of gossypol toxicity on male pigeons' reproductive performance.

Gossypol, a cotton seed derivative, is well known for its reversible antifertility in male reproduction across species. Its antifertility and reversibility effects on male reproductive function vary among species in dose-and time-dependent manners. In this study, the antifertility potential of gossypol in pigeons was evaluated for the first time to determine whether it might be used as a dietary supplement for pigeon population control. Male pigeons were assigned into three experimental groups: The gossypol-treated group (n = 12), the sham control group (n = 6), and the negative control group (n = 6). There were two experimental periods: A gossypol-feeding period of 28 days and a gossypol-free period of 28 days. During the gossypol-feeding period, birds in the gossypol-treated group were fed 4 mg of gossypol extract per day. Birds in the sham control group were fed 0.5 mL of mixed ethanol and sunflower oil, while those in the negative control group were fed 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer saline. After the gossypol-feeding phase was completed, all remaining pigeons in all groups continued to receive their regular diet for an additional 28 days (gossypol-free phase). The body weight and semen quality of the birds in the experimental groups were compared to evaluate gossypol's antifertility effect. In the gossypol-treated group as compared to the control groups, the percentages of sperm motility and viability were significantly lower at 21 days, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology was significantly lower at 28 days during the gossypol-feeding period. After gossypol withdrawal, these antifertility effects were resumed and reached a comparable semen quality to the control groups within 14 days. Gossypol supplementation (4 mg/day for 28 days) could lower male pigeons' reproductive performance in terms of sperm motility, viability, and sperm morphology. Such infertility was, however, reversible within 14 days after gossypol withdrawal without any side effects on the pigeons, suggesting its application as a safe contraceptive feeding for male pigeons.

Antifertility activity of Momordica dioica and Lagerstroemia speciosa in experimental rats

Agents that control fertility are termed as antifertility agents or oral contraceptives. Many plant-based products have the antifertility potential which need to be explored.The present study therefore was undertaken to evaluate possible antifertility effects of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of (HAEMD) and aqueous extract of leaves of (AELS) in experimental rats. Experiments were carried using wistar rats of either sex. Animals were administered with different doses of HAEMD and AELS (250, and 350 mg/kg, p. o) for 30 days. The body weight and reproductive organs weights for male (Testis) and for female (Uterus) were analyzed. Sperm count and Sperm motility was determined in male rats by manually. Testosterone in male and progesterone levels in female rats were checked. Effect of both extracts on Estrous cycle in female rats were checked. Section of testis were taken for histopathological study. The effect of the extract on male rats showed decreased testis weight, reduced sperm count and motility as compared to control animals. The blood testosterone level in male rats was reduced in treatment groups. The testicular histology was altered as compared to control male rats. In female animals, extracts showed antiovulatory activity, alteration in estrous cycle, decreased uterus weight and serum progesterone levels. It is concluded that HAEMD and AELS are effective as antifertility plants for both male and female rats.

The Potential of Jatropha variegata Fruits as a Natural Contraceptive: Antifertility Activity and Phytochemical Analysis.

Background Jatropha variegata (family, Euphorbiaceae) is native to Yemen, where it is commonly known as the Ebki shrub. The fruits of the plant are traditionally ingested by local women as a natural method of contraception. This study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical content of the methanol extract of J. variegata fruits and to evaluate its antifertility potential. Methods Isolation of the chemical constituents was performed by chromatographic techniques, and the chemical structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopy. The antifertility activity of the methanol extract was assessed in two experimental rat models to explore both the anti-implantation and the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activities in females. In these models, the number of successful implants, the size of litter, and body/ovary weights were all recorded. The development of ovarian follicles was also monitored via histological staining. Results Phytochemical work on the fruit extract of J. variegata led to the isolation of two oils (JF1 and JF2) and methyl elaidate. GC-MS analysis of the JF1 oil revealed that the major chemical constituents were fatty acid esters (43.77%), hydrocarbon alkanes (20.65%), and terpenoids (4.65%), while terpenoids (28.8%), fatty acids and their esters, (29.47%), and phytosterol (10.49%) were the major components found in the JF2 oil. The methanol extract of J. variegata fruit exhibited 50% and 93% abortifacient activity at 150 and 300 mg/kg doses, respectively. The extract also showed significant estrogenic activity as evidenced by the increase in rat ovary weight at a dose of 300 mg/kg compared to the control group. Histological analyses further confirmed this estrogenic activity. Conclusions J. variegata fruits possess an antifertility activity that appeared to result from its antiembryo implantation potential and from its estrogenic activity. The bioactive constituents involved in these activities may need to be further explored and exploited in the pursuit of newer contraceptives.

Effects of alcoholic extract of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) on pregnancy outcome in female Wistar rats

Myristica fragrans has been reported to be a medicinal plant as it possesses hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antiulcer, anticancer and immunostimulatory properties, as well as antifertility potentials. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans on dam size, litter size, pup weight, ovarian follicles, endometrial glands and histopathological indices on pregnancy outcomes in female Wistar rats using standard methods. Pregnancy was induced in forty-eight (48) female Wistar rats that were randomly selected and assigned into four (4) groups of twelve (12) rats each: Group 1 (pregestational phase of pregnancy), Group 2 (germinal phase of pregnancy), Group 3 (embryonic phase of pregnancy) and Group 4 (Fetal phase of pregnancy). The treated animals all received 1500 mg of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans. Administration of distilled water and the extract was by orogastric tube. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) and relevant statistical values were obtained. The extract prevented the proliferation of ovarian follicles and endometrial glands. In addition, during the pregestational, germinal and embryonic phases, there were significant increases in weight of pups when the treated animals were compared to the control group. The dams also showed decreases in body weight during the embryonic phase. This study therefore demonstrated that alcohol extract of Myristica fragrans may serve as a contraceptive agent in view of its anti-fertility effect.

Plumbagin induces testicular damage via mitochondrial-dependent cell death

Different aspects of reproductive functions are regulated by mitochondrial-controlled events. This study investigated the effect of plumbagin (PL) on testicular mitochondria with a view to unravelling the mechanism of the antifertility potential of plumbagin in testis of healthy rats. Thirty-two male Wistar strain albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups of eight animals each. The control or healthy group received orally 0.1 % DMSO while animals in the remaining three groups received 2.5 mg PL/kg bdwt, 5.0 mg PL/kg bdwt and 10 mg PL/kg bdwt, respectively, for 14 days. In study two, twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three (3) groups and were orally administered 0.1% DMSO (control), 30 and 100 mg/kg PL, respectively once daily for 72 h. Rat testis mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation. The mitochondrial Permeability Transition (mPT) pore, mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase) activity and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation were assessed spectrophotometrically. Expression of apoptotic proteins (p53, Bax, Bcl-2) and the release of cytochrome c were determined by immunochemical technique. Reproductive receptors (FSH, PR), the expression of aromatase, Testis Specific Kinase-1 {TESK-1} were quantified by RT-PCR. The various doses of plumbagin (2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg bdwt) induced opening of the testicular mPT pore by 2, 5 and 8 folds, respectively, after 14 days of oral administration. These doses of plumbagin also caused enhancement of mATPase activity, elevated generation of mLPO as well as increases in the concentrations of caspases 9 and 3. Sperm analysis revealed that these doses of PL also caused significant decreases in sperm count and motility and increased sperm abnormalities compared to control. Interestingly, these effects were accompanied by dose-dependent expressions of the Bak, p53 and cytochrome c release. Conversely, the abundance of anti‐apoptotic Bcl-2 protein decreased relative to control. The levels of transcripts of FSH and progesterone receptors as well as TESK-1 and aromatase decreased significantly relative to control. Furthermore, PL strongly inhibited p53-MDM2 compared to control. Altogether, these findings show that plumbagin damages testicular cells through the activation of mitochondrial pathway involving the p53 protein network.

Antifertility effect of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower in male albino rats.

Search for an effective, feasible, and safe male contraceptive has been one of the major public health challenges. The present contraceptive methods are either permanent or impractical. Herbal methods are considered safe, and thus, their acceptability is higher than other prospective methods. In the present study, oral administration of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower was investigated for its potential role in the modulation of fertility in male albino rats. Healthy male albino rats were randomly distributed into three groups, i.e., a control and two groups administered with 50 and 500 mg/kg body weight/day of methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower for 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Fertility records were maintained throughout the experimental period. At the end of experiment, animals were sacrificed and the weight of reproductive organs, sperm characteristics, and histopathology of testicular and epididymal tissues were evaluated. A 45-day withdrawal period was also investigated for parameters as described above for each group. A 40% decline in fertility rate was evident in rats administered with 500 mg/kg of B. monosperma flower extract for 180 consecutive days. A significant reduction in testicular and epididymal weight was observed in these animals. Sperm count, motility, and viability were also reduced significantly in animals treated for 180 days. Histological evaluation of testicular cells indicated distortions in germ cell arrangements at various stages of spermatogenesis. Following 45 days of withdrawal, the resumption of normal functional and histological characteristics was apparent. Based on the abnormalities present in the sperm characteristics and damages in testicular histology, it was confirmed that methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower contain antifertility potential.

A Review on Medicinal Plants of North Eastern Region with Potential Antifertility Activity

The increase in population is becoming a comprehensive problem, causing much pressure on economic, social and natural assets. Oral contraceptive agents have improved the rate of infertility but their unusual side effects limit the use. Current antifertility therapy lacks satisfactory success due to this adverse effect; hence, patients are seeking complementary and alternative medicine for anti-fertility action. Ayurveda and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in various human ailments. India has about more than 45000 plant species and among them several thousand are claimed to possess medicinal properties. Researchers conducted in the last few decades on the plants mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for anti-fertility action. This review reveals that some plants and their part used having anti-fertility action, which are helpful for researcher to develop new herbal anti-fertility formulations. In the recent years, interest in drugs of plant origin has been progressively increased. The aim of this review is to highlight the work on anti-fertility of plant origin. For women who can't use modern forms of contraception due to adverse effect or other reasons, therefore herbs can offer alternatives and reducing fertility would be better than other contraceptives. This article may help investigators to identify medicinal plants responsible for anti-fertility activity.

Phytochemical analysis and antifertility potential of Cynodon dactylon in female Wistar rats: A herbal approach towards contraception

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the antifertility activity of ether (ErCD), chloroform (CeCD) and ethyl alcohol (EyCD) extracts of the whole plant of Cynodon dactylon in female Wistar albino rats. MethodsAcute oral toxicity and an antifertility study were performed in female Wistar rats with two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) of EyCD. The estrogenic and progestogenic effects of EyCD were further observed by administering it to immature Wistar rats by investigations of vaginal cornification, hormonal level, uterus weight, biochemical parameters, histopathology of the uterus and deciduoma formation, respectively. Isolation of EyCD was carried out by Flash Chromatography and isolated fraction was estimated by HPLC. ResultsNo toxicity with any of the extract was found up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. EyCD treated rats exhibited maximum reduction in pregnancy (83.33%). Estimation of EyCD on vaginal cornification, estrogen-induced uterotrophic assay and deciduoma model demonstrated vaginal cornification, significant (P < 0.01) increase in uterine weight and uterine proliferation in histopathology and reduced deciduoma formation respectively. Hormonal and biochemical parameters confirmed the above findings indicating estrogenic potential and antiprogestogenic potential of EyCD that might be attributed to the presence of phytoestrogen (apigenin) in EyCD. ConclusionThe results suggested that extracts of C. dactylon possess significant antifertility activity, which is consistent with the literature reported in folk medicine of this plant in fertility regulation.

Anti-fertility potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum in comparison to oral contraceptive pills

Introduction: This study examines the anti-fertility effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds extract in the reproductive system of female rats in comparison to combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Methods: Thirty two female Sprague Dawley rats of 8 weeks old were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D). All female rats were allowed to mate with male rats. Group A is a positive control and not given any treatment. Group B is a negative control group. Group C and D were treated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight of COCPs and 750 mg/kg body weight of fenugreek seed aqueous (FSA) extract for 15 days respectively. Blood samples were subsequently taken on the proestrous phase to evaluate the serum levels of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). The embryo implantation rate was studied in all groups. Results: Administration of 750 mg/kg FSA extract and COCPs both resulted in decreased FSH serum levels, to 25.62 ng/ml and 71.56 ng/ml respectively (p&lt;0.01). The embryo implantation rate was zero in both FSA extract and COCPs treated groups. Conclusions: Anti-fertility effects of FSA extract and COCPs are potentially similar in terms of their ability to reduce FSH serum levels and inhibit implantation.

Influence of Echeveria gibbiflora DC aqueous crude extract on mouse sperm energy metabolism and calcium-dependent channels.

In traditional Mexican medicine, Echeveria gibbiflora DC has been used as a vaginal post-coital rinse to prevent pregnancy. The aqueous crude extract (OBACE) induces sperm immobilization/agglutination and a hypotonic-like effect, likely attributed to the high concentration of calcium bis-(hydrogen-1-malate) hexahydrate [Ca2+ (C4H5O5)2•6H2O]. Likewise, OBACE impedes the increase of [Ca2+]i during capacitation. Evaluate the effect of OBACE on sperm energy metabolism and the underlying mechanism of action on sperm-specific channel. In vitro, we quantified the mouse sperm immobilization effect and the antifertility potential of OBACE. The energetic metabolism status was also evaluated by assessing the ATP levels, general mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and enzymatic activity of three key enzymes of energy metabolism. Furthermore, the effect of the ion efflux of Cl- and K+, as well as the pHi, were investigated in order to elucidate which channel is suitable to perform an in silico study. Total and progressive motility notably decreased, as did fertility rates. ATP levels, mitochondrial activity and membrane potential were reduced. Furthermore, the activities of the three enzymes decreased. Neither Cl- or K+ channels activities were affected at low concentrations of OBACE; nevertheless, pHi did not alkalinize. Finally, an in silico analysis was performed between the Catsper channel and calcium bis-(hydrogen-1-malate) hexahydrate, which showed a possible blockade of this sperm cation channel. The results were useful to elucidate the effect of OBACE and to propose it as a future male contraceptive.

Antimalarial plants with potential male-factor antifertility properties.

Malaria, caused mainly by Plasmodium falciparum among other Plasmodium species, is one of the main causes of death from parasitic diseases. Malaria is still a health problem mainly because of the cost of effective antimalarial drugs and the growing parasite resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs, making a great proportion of the people in malaria endemic countries dependent on plants for its treatment. Corollary, a large number of the rural populations consume antimalarial herbal preparations in large or excessive quantities despite the fact that it has been reported that some of them could cause male-factor infertility, a growing global health concern. Few studies have compiled information on the scientifically validated male-factor antifertility effects of these antimalarial plant remedies. The aim of this review therefore is to compile information on commonly used antimalarial plant remedies that have been experimentally validated as having male-factor antifertility effects. Thus, antimalarial plant remedies with experimentally confirmed male-factor antifertility potentials and compounds isolated from them are identified and discussed. The male-factor antifertility effects of these plants include reduction of sperm quality, regulation of reproductive hormone levels and induction of lipid peroxidation. Indiscriminate use of such antimalarial plants is discouraged when male contraception is not desired.

Evaluation of Anti-fertility activity of Decaschistia crotonifolia leaves on female wistar rats

Medicinal Plants were used from the ancient to the modern era and has proved in treating and preventing many different types of diseases which are not treatable with other means of treatment. The present study was aimed to prove the anti-fertility activity of Decaschistia crotonifolia leaves on female wistar rats. The extracts were mainly estimated for their anti-implantation activity by taking mainly 2 dose levels: 200 &amp; 400 mg/kg, respectively. The extracts were also tested for their hormonal alteration effects on female wistar rats. The reports obtained in this study strongly prove the anti-fertility potential of leaves extracts of Decaschistia crotonifolia, as the extracts has shown a potential decline in the formation of implants (100%), and also the increase in uterine weight projects its estrogenic effect in Ovariectomised rats. Hence by considering the above-mentioned results, it may be proved that the leaves extracts of D. Crotonifolia poccess strong anti-fertility activity.