Antifertility Potential Research Articles

Enzymatic Studies with Reference to Antifertility Potential of Piper betle Linn. Leaf Stalk Extract in Male Albino Rats

The betel leaf (Tambula patra brint) is extensively cultivated in warm moist parts of India for its leaves; the antifertility properties of the betel plant were studied in both male and female rats. It was suggested that the contraceptive effect of the extract of leaf stalk of piper betel Linn is mainly on the maturation process of spermatozoa in epididymis without influencing hysteric hormonal profiles. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the antifertility efficacy of piper betel Linn leaf stalk extract with reference to some marker enzymes. In this study healthy male albino rats were administered with betel leaf stalk extract, at the dose rate of 150 mg/Kg/ day through oral gavage, for 15 days. The enzymatic changes were observed over control male rats. The observed reduction in Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase activity in testis, suggests that decreased level of operation of hexose mono phosphate pathway and also mobilization of carbohydrate reserves in to Hexose mono phosphate (HMP) pathway. Increased Succinate dehydrogenase is an indicative of better energy utilization due to the production of intermediates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The significant decrease in testicular Glutamate dehydrogenase activities (a biochemical indicator used to assess injury to the mitochondria) may imply reduction in the amount of energy being made available to the sperm cells. The total phosphorylase activity was highly depleted suggesting the Original Research Article Naik and Changamma; ARRB, 5(3): 246-253, 2015; Article no. ARRB.2015.026 247 overall degradation of the enzyme, possibly for inhibiting glycogenolysis in response to betel leaf stalk extract. The depleted aldolase levels indicate decreased mobilization of glucose in to Embden-Mayeroff pathway in testis. Thus the extract administration does not affect the normal energy metabolism; it affects the sperm energy metabolism. Hence, sperm metabolic processes are disrupted. It also brings the alterations in chemical composition of seminal plasma and prostatic fluid leads to sperm anomalies.

Anti-implantation and anti-fertility potentials of Anethum graveolens L. extracts in rats

Ovarian hormones affected some enzymes in reproductive tissues. Previous studies revealed Anethum graveolens (dill) seed extract elevated ovarian hormones. In this study, we compared the effects of dill seed and leaf extracts on some enzymes activities and infertility potential. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups of control, dill seed and dill leaf aqueous extracts treated groups. Experimental groups received 1 mL of 0.5 g kg−1 of each extract orally for 25 days (five estrous cycles). Estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations were determined. Uterus and ovaries were removed and their glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured. Female rats of three groups were mated with untreated males. Fetuses were extracted in the 20th gestational day and their weights and crown rump lengths were measured. Anti-fertility and anti-implantation activities and fertility indices were calculated. Glucose-6-phosphate activity of dill seed treated group increased 1.6 times in the endometrium and 1.7 times in the myometrium. Progesterone concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity of serum increased in the dill seed treated group compared to the control and dill leaf treated group. A significant decrease was observed in weights and crown rump lengths of fetuses, weights of placenta, and fertility index of the dill seed treated group compared to the control and dill leaf treated group, but its anti-implantation and anti-fertility indices increased. We suggested that high level of glucose-6-phosphate could entail increased oxidative stress in uterus and ovary. High lactate dehydrogenase activity in serum may affect cell membranes. Higher secretion of progesterone caused hormonal imbalance and produced estrous cycle irregularity. It was concluded that dill seed but not dill leaf extract could induce infertility in an animal model.

Evaluating the antifertility potential of the ethanolic extracts of Heliotropium europaeum and Taraxacum serotinum in male rats

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of H. europaeum and T. serotinum extracts on fertility of male rats. The 1st group received vehicle (control). The 2nd and 3rd groups received H. europaeum and T. serotinum extracts, respectively. Each extract was given orally at 3 dose levels; 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 7 weeks. None of the sexual activity parameters was significantly altered following H. europaeum. T. serotinum extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced serum level of testosterone and the motility, count and viability of sperms but without change in sperm morphology. No distinct changes in serum levels of follicle stimulating and leutinizing hormones were recorded. There was also significant reduction in mating success % and fertility success % among T. serotinum-medicated males. Histologically, seminiferous tubules of T. serotinum-treated rats (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed marked arrests of spermatogenesis and marked decrease in the number of mature sperms. Both extracts did not significantly alter any of the biochemical (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine) and hematologic (erythrocytic count, total leucocytic count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume) parameters compared to control group. The results of this study suggest that T. serotinum extract possesses potential fertility lowering effects without altering general body metabolism.

Antifertility activity of Artemisia vulgaris leaves on female Wistar rats

AimTo evaluate the antifertility activity of Artemisia vulgaris leaves on female Wistar rats. MethodThe plant extract was tested for its effect on implant formation at two dose levels, 300 and 600 mg·kg−1, respectively. The effective methanolic plant extract was further studied for estrogenic potency on ovariectomised immature female Wistar rats. ResultsThe data presented in this study demonstrate the antifertility potential of Artemisia vulgaris methanolic leaf extract, which shows a strong and significant decrease in implant formation (100%), and a strong estrogenic effect resulting in a significant increase in uterine weight in immature ovariectomised rats. These observations suggest that the methanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves has strong anti-implantation activity and estrogenic activity. ConclusionThe methanolic plant extract of A. vulgaris has antifertility activity.

The effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Newbouldia laevis leaves on fertility hormones of male albino rats.

The continuous use of plants in folklore for reproductive health has prompted the need to search for plants with fertility enhancement or anti-fertility potentials. Hence, the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Newbouldia laevis leaves for twenty one (21) days on reproductive hormones of albino male rats was investigated. Twelve male albino rats were grouped into three (A, B and C) of four (4) each. Group C (the control) received orally distilled water on daily basis for 21days. Groups A and B were treated like the control except that they received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. After administration of the extract for twenty one days, the results of serum concentrations of testosterone, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones showed no significant (p<0.05) differences in groups A and B when compared to the control. The result reveals that Newbouldia laevis extract could act as an adjunct that can inhibit or promote hormonal imbalances in males at certain dosages as exemplified in the experimental animal models. Keywords: Newbouldia laevis, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, follicle stimulating, luteinizing hormones

Fertility Suppression by the Fruit Extract of Opuntia elatior in the Male Rat: Possible Extragonadal Action

Plant - derived male antifertility agents need to address the basic requirements of reversibility and fertility suppression without affecting libido. This study was undertaken to evaluate the male antifertility potential of the fruit extract of Opuntia elatior in the male rat and its reversibility. The methanolic extract was administered through oral route (300, 900 mg/kg bw) to male rats for 30 and 60 days, and fertility was assessed by analysing spermatogenesis, sperm count and testosterone levels. Reversibility of fertility suppression was studied by withdrawal of treatment for two weeks and mating with normally cycling virgin females. Sperm count and motility were markedly reduced in both the groups of treated rats, without commensurate decline in serum testosterone levels and testicular hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH) activity. Fertility of the treated rats was suppressed when mated with normally cycling virgin female rats without affecting libido. Withdrawal of treatment for two weeks restored the sperm count, testicular HSDH activity, serum testosterone levels and fertility. The methanolic extract of the fruit of O. elatior produces reversible male antifertility effect without affecting the testosterone levels and libido.

Antifertility potential of the ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn. leaves

Abstract Objective To assess the antifertility activity of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn ( C. pulcherrima ) leaves in albino female mice. Methods Acute toxicity study of the extract was carried out in adult albino mice. The antifertility activity of the extract at dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) was evaluated in two experimental animal models i.e. antiimplantation and esterogenic/antiestrogenic activity in female mice by observing no. of implants, estrus cycle, vaginal cornification, uertus weight and cholesterol content. Results The extract was found to be safe up to a dose of 4 000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. A good antiimplantation (66.66 %) activity in female mice was observed at the tested dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally). The extract further showed more significant ( P Conclusions The results suggest that ethanolic extract of C. pulcherrima leaves possess significant antifertility activity, therefore, justifying the traditional use of this plant in fertility regulation.

Evaluation of reversible contraceptive potential of Cordia dichotoma leaves extract

Considering the safety-risk ratio of steroidal contraceptives, the present work was carried out to evaluate ethno-contraceptive use of Cordia dichotoma G. Forst., Boraginaceae, leaves (LCD). Preliminary pharmacological screening was performed on post-coital female albino rats. The leaves extract (LD50 5.50g/ kg bw) showed 100% anti-implantation activity (n=10) at 800mg/kg dose level. (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (BCD) was used as bioavailability enhancer to form LCD-BCD complex, characterized by DLS, SEM and XRD analyses. The LCD-BCD complex (1:1, w/w) exhibited 100% pregnancy interception (n=20) at the dose level of 250mg/kg and also showed strong estrogenic potential with a luteal phase defect. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were carried out. The LCD extract was standardized by a validated HPTLC method and two contraceptive phytoconstituents, apigenin and luteolin were isolated. A detailed pharmacological analyses followed by chronic toxicity study were performed to predict the reversible nature of the developed phytopharmaceutical. The histological and biochemical estimations detected the reversible contraceptive potential after withdrawal. The observations suggested that the developed phyto-pharmaceutical has potential antifertility activity with safety aspects.

Immunogenicity Study of Plasmid DNA Encoding Mouse Cysteine‐Rich Secretory Protein‐1 (mCRISP1) as a Contraceptive Vaccine

To examine the immunocontraceptive properties of the plasmid pcDNA-mCRISP1 and compare them to the corresponding recombinant mCRISP1 (r-mCRISP1). RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence were performed to observe the mCRISP1 protein expression in COS-7 cells. Three groups of mice received three injections of r-mCRISP1, pcDNA-mCRISP1 or pcDNA vector, respectively. ELISA and Western blot were used to examine the immune responses and immunoreactivity of antisera. Sperm-egg penetration assay was performed to examine the effect of anti-mCRISP1 antibodies in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes. Fertility and mean litter size were analysed by natural mating. Histological analysis was carried out to look for potential immunopathologic effects of the antibodies. COS-7 cells transfected with pcDNA-mCRISP1 present the expression of mCRISP1. Both r-mCRISP1 and pcDNA-mCRISP1 raised an immune response against r-mCRISP1 protein and native CRISP1 in mouse sperm. The titres of anti-mCRISP1 antibodies from DNA immunized mice were significantly lower than that of r-mCRISP1 immunized mice, but it lasted relatively longer. Male and female pcDNA-mCRISP1 injected animals presented a statistically significant reduction in their fertility with no signs of immunopathologic effects. These studies demonstrated the feasibility of generating an immune response to mCRISP1 protein by DNA vaccine and pcDNA-mCRISP1 plasmid causing significant anti-fertility potential.

Antifertility Potentials of Metronidazole in Male Wistar Rats

There is a growing concern about the decline in the quality of human sperm in recent years. Following reports by previous studies on the toxic effects of metronidazole on testicular functions, this study is designed to investigate further its direct effects on fertility potentials and that of the introduction of vitamin E and testosterone to metronidazole treated rats. A total of 105 adult male and 50 female Wistar rats weighing 170 +/- 10 g (70-90 day old) were used for the experiment. The rats were randomly divided into a control and experimental groups. There were four major groups with 5 subgroups consisting of 5 rats each. Varying doses of metronidazole were used depending on the experiment. Experiment 1; animals were fed with 15 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole, experiment 2, fed with 30 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole, experiment 3, administered with 200 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole and experiment 4, fed with 400 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole. Each experimental group has 5 sub-groups. A: control, B: group fed with the experimental dose, C: experimental dose with vitamin E, D: experimental dose with testosterone, E: fed with experimental dose, vitamin E and testosterone and sub-group F, a reversal group which was left for 8 weeks after cessation of treatment. Parameters assessed were sperm count/motility, hormonal assay, Fertility test for control and treated rats were also carried out. Results showed that metronidazole at the therapeutic dose of 15 mg kg(-1) did not have significant negative effect on the parameters assessed. At the dose of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1), there was reduction in testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone while on the other hand, luteinizing hormone was increased mostly with 400 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole treatment. Body weight was also found to be significantly reduced in rats treated with 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) of metronidazole. The results of this study indicate that metronidazole administration (200 or 400 mg kg(-1)), for 8 weeks, caused a harmful effect on fertility potentials in male rats.

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of testicular tissue sections of sprague-dawley rat: the after treatment responses to varying doses of Momordica charantia

Background: In our previous study we scrutinized the intrinsic worth of graded doses of Momordica charantia (MC) seed extract as an antispermatogenic agent in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. The corresponding histological quantification of the testicular responses to the extract is yet to be established. Objective: To investigate quantitatively using simple stereological tools the testicular reactions of S-D rats administered graded doses of M. charantia seed extract. Methodology: Twenty adult male S-D rats, weighing 110‒214 g were assigned randomly into four groups (I‒IV). Animals in groups I, II and III received varying oral doses of 15, 25 and 50 mg/100 g b.w/day of ethanolic seed extract of MC, respectively. Group IV rats (control) were fed an equal volume of physiological saline. The duration of treatment for both extract and physiological saline was 56 days. The animals were sacrificed and the testes processed for histometry (measurement of tissues). Stereological parameters estimated include; testicular volume and weight, tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Results: Showed a dose dependent decrease in the mean testicular volume and weight, seminiferous tubular diameter and cross sectional area. However there was an increase in the number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Histometric data supports a dose-related deleterious effect on the testes of S-D rats treated with Momordica charantia seed extract. This also depicts a dose related antifertility potential of the extract.

Effects of Soya Beans Supplements on Fertility in Male Wistar Rats

Background. Being a cheap source of protein and oil, soya beans (SB) has being important in peoples’ food and in animal’s feeds. However, some of its components pose infertility threats. This makes the decision for its consumption hard. Aim. To determine a safe level, the maximum harmless proportion of food that could be made up by SB is examined in this study. Material and Methods. Twenty-four adult male Wister rats, randomly divided into four groups (of 6 rats each), were used. Group A was the control and were fed growers mash pellets. Group B, C, and D rats were fed derivatives of growers mash containing 8.33 %, 16.67 %, and 25.00 % SB . All treatments were for twelve weeks. Relative epididymal weight, sperm count, morphology, motility, serum testosterone level were determined. The groups were compared using independent sample t-test. Results. The results showed that unlike in rats fed with mash containing large amount of SB, fertility abnormalities were almost entirely absent in the rats fed with the least proportion of soya beans. Therefore, the potential antifertility effect of soya beans used in feeds/foods might be averted if the proportion of the soya used could be lower than 5g per 60g of feed/food. Conclusion. The potential antifertility effect of soya beans used in feeds/foods could be averted if the proportion of the used soya would always be lower than 8.33% of feed/food. Further research for the verification of this study, and for the derivation of a more precise safe level of soya beans are

Evaluating the Anti-Fertility Potential of α-Chlorohydrin on Testis and Spermatozoa in the Adult Male Wild Indian House Rat (Rattus rattus)

To examine the effects of α-chlorohydrin on testis and cauda epididymis in the male house rat (Rattus rattus), 24 adult male rats were segregated into two groups. Group I rats were force-fed daily by intragastric intubation with α-chlorohydrin at a single dose of 1.0 mg/100 g body weight/d for 5, 15, and 45 days. Another group was fed with distilled water, which served as the control. The treated male rats were paired with 24 adult proestrus female rats for 5 days after the last oral treatment and fertility was tested. At the end of the experiments, all of the male rats were weighed and killed by cervical dislocation. The right testes were removed, weighed, and processed for ultrastructural changes of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis and testis under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The seminiferous tubular area, nuclear diameter of the Sertoli and Leydig cells, percentage of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and Sertoli cells in each group were compared morphometrically. Our results showed that the percentages of primary spermatocytes steadily increased from 5 to 15 days, but primary and secondary spermatocytes decreased significantly at 45 days. There was a steady decline in the percentages of spermatozoa and spermatids at all fixation intervals in the treated animals, but the percentages of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells increased significantly at 15 and 45 days. Seminiferous tubular areas, nuclear diameter of Leydig and Sertoli cells, and fertility rates were reduced after 45 days of treatment. SEM and TEM studies revealed severe morphological abnormalities in the spermatozoa, including deglutination of the acrosomal part, loss of head capsules, and fragmentation of tail fibrils. There was an enhanced anti-fertility effect and a lower number of implantation sites in the rats treated for 5 days. Our results validate α-chlorohydrin as a successful anti-fertility agent that prevents spermatogenesis.

In vitro effect of Aegle marmelos on human sperm motility.

Plants have served as a natural source of anti-fertility substances. The present study is aimed at investigating the anti-fertility potential of Aegle marmelos(Rutaceae) leaves. A. marmelos is a medicinal plant whose leaves are claimed to be useful in the treatment of spermatorrhoea. Various concentrations of the ethanol extracts of leaves of A. marmelos were investigated for their in vitroeffect on sperm motility. It was found that the extracts had a considerable effect on the motility of sperm. Key words: Sperm viability, Aegle marmelos, male contraception, bael.

Evaluating the antifertility potential of an aqueous extract from Cassia fistula seeds in male rats

Cassia fistula suppresses fertility in male rats. Withdrawal of extract restored all the altered parameters, including organ weights, fertility, circulatory level of hormones and tissue biochemistry, to control levels after 120 days.

Effect of Carum carvi and Curcuma longa on hormonal and reproductive parameter of female rats.

Rhizome of Curcuma longa and seeds of Carum Carvi a folk medicinal plant used as have antifertility potentials. Present investigation study the effect of both the plant on hormone and reproductive parameter of female rat. The aqueous and ethanolic extract of rhizome of Curcuma longa and seeds of Carum Carvi used for testing antifertility activity in female rat. Aqueous and ethanolic extract of plants were administered orally to female rat for 30 consecutive days. Estrous cycle, reproductive hormones (LH, FSH and estrogen) and weight of reproductive organ were studied in both control and extract-administered groups by using standard methods . The female albino rats after oral administration of different doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Carum carvi and Curcuma longa, showed a significant antifertility activity. FSH and LH level was significantly decreased in both drugs while amount of estrogen in ethanolic extract of both the drugs treated animals was found to be increased.The blockage of estrus phase induced by treatment of aqueous and ethanolic extract of both drug. They also increase the weight of ovary, uterus and body weights while uterine weight in immature rats increased in extract treated group. The present study which was undertaken to find endocrinological and physiological changes in the reproductive system of female albino rats after oral administration of different doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Carum carvi and Curcuma longa, showed a significant antifertility activity. Keywords: Antifertility; Estrogenic, Reproductive, Curcuma longa and Carum carvi

Reversible antifertility effect of aqueous rhizome extract of Curcuma longa L. in male laboratory mice

Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antifertility potential of Curcuma longa L . in the male laboratory mouse. Study Design Mice of the Parkes (P) strain were orally administered aqueous rhizome extract of C. longa (600 mg/kg body weight per day for 56 and 84 days), and effect of the treatment on various male reproductive endpoints and fertility was evaluated. Recovery studies were also performed. Results Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed nonuniform degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules as both affected and normal tubules were observed in the same section; the affected tubules showed loosening of germinal epithelium, intraepithelial vacuolation and mixing of spermatids of different stages of spermatogenesis. Marked reductions in diameter of seminiferous tubules, height of germinal epithelium and number of germ cells in Stage VII tubules were also noted in testes of extract-treated mice. Epididymis and seminal vesicle also showed histological alterations. Furthermore, the treatment had adverse effects on motility, viability, morphology and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis, levels of sialic acid in the epididymis and fructose in the seminal vesicle, serum level of testosterone and on fertility and litter size. By 56 days of treatment withdrawal, however, the above parameters recovered to control levels. Conclusions The results show that in P mice C. longa treatment causes reversible suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility, thereby suggesting the potential of this plant in the regulation of male fertility.

Evaluation of antifertility potential of Brahmi in male mouse

Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on fertility of male laboratory mouse. Study Design Mice of the Parkes (P) strain were orally administered Brahmi (250 mg/kg body weight/day, for 28 and 56 days), and effect of the treatment on reproductive organs and fertility was investigated. Recovery and toxicological studies were also carried out. Results The treatment caused reduction in motility, viability, morphology, and number of spermatozoa in cauda epididymidis. Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed alterations in the seminiferous tubules, and the alterations included intraepithelial vacuolation, loosening of germinal epithelium, exfoliation of germ cells and occurrence of giant cells. In severe cases, the tubules were lined by only Sertoli cells or Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Significant reductions were also noted in height of the germinal epithelium and diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Brahmi-treated mice compared to controls. Epididymis in treated males showed slight alterations in histological appearance. The treatment had no effect on levels of testosterone, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine in blood serum, hematological parameters and on liver and kidney histoarchitecture. In Brahmi-treated males, libido remained unaffected, but fertility was notably suppressed. The alterations caused in the above reproductive endpoints by the plant extract were reversible, and by 56 days of treatment withdrawal, the parameters recovered to control levels. Conclusions The results in P mice thus suggest that Brahmi treatment causes reversible suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility, without producing apparent toxic effects.

Antifertility potential of Neem flower extract on adult female Sprague-Dawley rats.

The search for a relatively cheap, widely available, widely accepted and effective contraceptive of plant origin; that is equally non-invasive in administration, non-hormonal in action, non-toxic and that is relatively long-acting, generated our interest in this study (in order to meet the increasing need for population control). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of alcoholic extract of Neem flowers on the estrous cycle, ovulation, fertility and foetal morphology of cyclic adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing between 140-180 g were used. There were 3 main experimental groups. Group 1 rats received 1 g/kg of alcoholic extract of Neem flower by gavage for 3 weeks and the effect on estrous cycle studied. Group 2 rats were administered 1 g/kg of Neem flower alcoholic extract at 9 a.m. and at 6 p.m. on proestrus and the effect on the number of ova shed on the morning of estrus observed. Rats in Group 3 were treated with 1 g/kg of alcoholic extract of Neem flower on days 1 to 5 postcoitum, and observation was made for anti-implantation / abortifacient effects and possible teratogenic effects on the foetuses. All the groups were control-matched. The estrous cycle of 80% of the rats was altered with a marked prolongation of the diestrus phase. Neem flower caused a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the number of ova shed in the morning of estrus in rats fed with the extract at 9 a.m. on proestrus. Neither anti-implantation / abortifacient nor teratogenic effect was observed in the rats treated with Neem flower. Administration of alcoholic extract of Neem flower disrupted the estrous cycle in Sprague-Dawley rats and caused a partial block in ovulation and thus has the potential of being developed into a female contraceptive.

Suppression of fertility in male albino rats following the administration of 50% ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos

Background Plants have served as a natural source of antifertility substances. The reactivated interest in the evaluation of some lead plants for fertility prompted us to undertake studies on the antifertility potential of Aegle marmelos leaves. Study Design Fifty percent ethanolic extract from the leaves of A. marmelos (AMLEt) was prepared. The effect of A. marmelos leaf extract on the reproductive system of male albino rats was investigated at three different doses, namely, 100, 200 and 300 mg −1 kg −1 day −1 for each rat for 60 days. Recovery was also investigated after a withdrawal of 120 days. Results All the major accessory sex organs shed weight postadministration of the extract. There was a marked reduction in motility and density of the sperm derived from cauda epididymis of the treated animals. A. marmelos reduced fertility of male rats by 100% at the 300-mg dose level. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly in all the experimental groups. The protein, glycogen and lipid peroxidation content of the testes was significantly reduced at the highest dose level; a highly significant increase in testicular cholesterol was observed along with a highly significant reduction in the sialic acid contents of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles. Blood tests did not point to distress in any of the vital organs. Withdrawal of the extract restored all the altered parameters including organ weights, fertility, testosterone levels and tissue biochemistry to control levels after 120 days. Conclusions Taken together, it is inferred that the leaf extract of A. marmelos (AMLEt) suppresses fertility in male rats. Complete recovery of fertility was observed following the withdrawal of drug. Absence of any deleterious effect on the vital organs points to the safe use of the extract.