Contraceptive efficacy and antioxidant potential of Leptadenia reticulata bark extracts in male albino rats

Nisha Kanwar; Ravindra Singh Thakur; Ram Prakash Saran; Ashok Purohit

doi:10.18006/2023.11(2).359.370

Authors

Nisha Kanwar Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Pin code-342005 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7109-1032
Ravindra Singh Thakur Department of Forensic Science, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Pin Code-244001 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8285-1797
Ram Prakash Saran Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Pin code-342005 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6727-4143
Ashok Purohit Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, Pin code-342005 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8171-4096

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2023.11(2).359.370

Keywords:

Antioxidant, Contraceptive, Leptadenia reticulata (jivanti), Testosterone, Spermatozoa

Abstract

Birth control measures available are primarily for women which are hormonal supplements that are increasing cancer risks and reproductive health issues. Male contraceptive options are effective and available, i.e. barrier methods and vasectomy. Condoms are failure-prone and single-use, while a vasectomy is a permanent sterilization method done surgically, and reversion is not always successful and expensive. A promising oral male contraceptive drug candidate is yet to be discovered. This study investigated the contraceptive efficacy and antioxidant potential of various extracts of Leptadenia reticulata bark in male rats. To study the effects of various extracts (ethanolic and petroleum ether) of L. reticulata bark in male rats, oral administration at the dose level of 250 mg/kg body weight/ day was done for 60 days. Observations were made for body and organ weight, hematology, serum biochemical chemistry, testosterone and antioxidants, lipid profile, sperm parameters (density and motility) and histological changes (reproductive organs). As compared to control in treated groups (TP and bark petroleum ether extract), a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.001) was perceived in sperm motility and density, as well as reproductive organ weight, serum testosterone, and serum antioxidant parameters like SOD. Histological observations revealed arrest in spermatogenesis and reduced seminiferous tubule diameter, mature Leydig cells, secondary spermatogonia, and spermatids which caused a substantial increase in LPO and GSH. From the research findings, it can be concluded that bark petroleum ether extract of L. reticulata possesses contraceptive potential in male albino rats and can serve as a safe and reversible oral contraceptive for males.

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