Contraceptive effect of Curcuma longa (L.) in male albino rat.
OBJECTIVE
To study the contraceptive effect of the crude extracts of Curcuma longa in male albino rats.


METHODS
Rats were fed orally with Curcuma longa aqueous and 70% alcoholic extract for 60 days (500 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)).


RESULTS
A reduction in sperm motility and density was observed in both the treated groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Curcuma longa may have affected the androgen synthesis either by inhibiting the Leydig cell function or the hypothalamus pituitary axis and as a result, spermatogenesis is arrested.
Ashok
Purohit
P
Department of Zoology, JNV University, Jodhpur (Raj.) 342 005, India. purohit1411@yahoo.com
Meenakshi
Bhagat
B
D000818:Animals; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000494:pharmacology*; D030024:Curcuma / Q000737:chemistry*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D010936:Plant Extracts