REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTIVE POTENTIAL OF HARAD IN MALE ALBINO MICE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2017v9i1.15638Keywords:
Harad, Testosterone, Spermatogenesis, Epididymis, FertilityAbstract
Objective: Developing a male contraceptive of plant origin has always been of great interest among researchers. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the contraceptive potential of Terminalia chebula R. (Harad) with respect to dose and reversibility in male albino mice.
Methods: Aqueous bark extract of Harad was administered orally at 100 (G III), 300 (G IV) and 500 (G V) mg/kg b.w. to males for 35 d, and the effect on histology of testis and accessory sex organs, enzymes 3ß-and 17ß-HSDs, SOD, catalase and LPO levels, sialic acid and fructose levels, sperm parameters, serum testosterone and fertility parameters was determined. Toxicological and recovery studies (G VI and VII) were also carried out.
Results: Harad-treated mice showed dose-related histological alterations in reproductive organs with reductions in weights, the height of germinal epithelium, germ cell number and diameter of stage VII tubules, along with adverse effect on biochemical and sperm parameters compared to controls. No alterations were noticed in SOD, catalase and LPO levels, though, mice in G V showed an increased LPO level. Libido was not affected, but fertility suppressed significantly in Harad-treated males (G VI) compared to controls. However, 42 d after treatment withdrawal, alterations in reproductive end points and fertility recovered to control levels. Body and organ weights, histo-architecture of vital organs, levels of ALT, AST and creatinine, and hematological parameters remained unchanged.
Conclusion: The results suggest that Harad causes dose-dependent reversible contraception in mice without any toxicity.Â
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