Antifertility effects of methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the antifertility activity of the methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth in male albino rats.


METHODS
The methanolic pod extract of Albizzia lebbeck was administrated orally for 60 days at 50, 100 and 200 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) to male albino rats. Sperm motility and density in cauda epididymides were assessed. Biochemical and histological analysis were performed in blood samples and reproductive organs.


RESULTS
Albizzia lebbeck pod extract brought about a significant decrease in the weights of testis, seminal vesicles, epdidymis and ventral prostate. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced. There was a marked reduction in the numbers of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The Sertoli cell count as well as its cross sectional surface area were significantly decreased. The Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells were also significantly decreased. The protein, glycogen and cholesterol content of the testis, the fructose in the seminal vesicles and protein in the epididymis were significantly decreased. The RBC and WBC counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and blood sugar were within the normal range.


CONCLUSIONS
The methanolic extract of A. lebbeck pods causes spermatogenic arrest in male albino rats.
Gupta
R S
RS
TR-03 Teachers Hostel, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, India. gupta_rs@hotmail.com
Kachhawa
J B S
JB
Chaudhary
R
R
D031289:Albizzia / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002452:Cell Count; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D000432:Methanol; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012997:Solvents; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D000432:Methanol