Saraswati B. Patil

Post-coital antifertility activity of Acalypha indica L.

Four successive solvent extracts of the whole plant Acalypha indica L. (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for post-coital antifertility activity in female albino rats. Of these, the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts were found to be most effective in causing significant anti-implantation activity. The antifertility activity was reversible on withdrawal of the treatment of the extracts. Both the extracts at 600 mg/kg body weight showed estrogenic activity. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm this estrogenic activity.

Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of Momordica charantia (Karela) in albino rats

Petroleum ether, benzene and alcohol extracts of the seeds of Momordica charantia tested in rats at the dose level of 25 mg/100 g body weight for 35 days showed antispermatogenic activity as the number of spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa was decreased. Increase in cholesterol level and Sudanophilic lipid accumulation indicates inhibition in the steroidogenesis. At the same time the weight of epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and levator ani was increased which showed its androgenic property. Out of the three extracts, the alcohol extract was more potent in its antispermatogenic, antisteroidogenic and androgenic activities.

Effect of ethanol extract of Rivea hypocrateriformis on the estrous cycle of the rat

The ethanol extract of Rivea hypocrateriformis was administered orally at the dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight to adult albino rats and resulted in an irregular estrous cycle with shortened estrus and metestrus, and with lengthened proestrus in non-dose dependent manner. Significant decreases in number of graffian follicles and corpora lutea and significant increases in number of atretic follicles in treated rats during experimental period indicated the antiovulatory effect of the extract. Increases in the weight of the uterus, its thickness and diameter indicated the uterotrophic effect of the extract. The significant increase in the level of cholesterol in the tissues of treated rats indicated the inhibition of steroidogenesis of cholesterol by ovarian endocrine tissues. Restoration of normal estrous cycles after withdrawal of treatment indicate the reversible effect of ethanol extract in rats.

Nicotine induced inhibition of the activities of accessory reproductive ducts in male rats

Adult male albino rats were treated with 0.4 mg nicotine/100 g body weight either orally or intraperitoneally for 30 days. All animals were autopsied on the 31st day. Epididymis and vas deferens were dissected out, weighed and processed for biochemical estimations. Nicotine caused a reduction in the weight of epididymis and vas deferens in both drug treated groups. The total cholesterol content is increased while protein, DNA and RNA contents and the epididymal sperm count were decreased. The acid phosphatase content is also decreased, whereas alkaline phosphatase is increased. The surface epithelial cell height of these ducts is decreased and secretory activity is reduced with the disruption of epithelial cell projections. These changes may be due to non-availability of androgens in nicotine treated rats.

Effect of Ethanol Extract of Whole Plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina L. on Gonadotropins, Ovarian Follicular Kinetics and Estrous Cycle for Screening of Antifertility Activity in Albino Rats

Ethanol extract of whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina was evaluated for antiovulatory activity in adult rats. The ethanol extract at the doses 200 and 400mg/kg body weight (orally) affected the normal estrous cycle showing a significant increase in estrus and metestrus phases and decrease in diestrus and proestrus phases. The extract also significantly reduced the number of healthy follicles (Class I-Class VI) and corpora lutea and increased the number of regressing follicles (Stage IA, Stage IB, Stage IIA, and Stage IIB). The protein and glycogen content in the ovaries were significantly reduced in treated rats. The cholesterol level was significantly increased, whereas, the enzyme activities like 3b-HSD and 17b-HSD were significantly inhibited in the ovary of treated rats. Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly reduced in the treated groups were measured by RIA. In acute toxicity test, neither mortality nor change in the behavior or any other physiological activities in mice were observed in the treated groups. In chronic toxicity studies, no mortality was recorded and there were no significant differences in the body and organ weights were observed between controls and treated rats. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences in any of the parameters examined (RBC, WBC count and Hemoglobin estimation). These observations showed the antiovulatory activity of ethanol extract of whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina in female albino rats.

Antiandrogenic effect of Striga orobanchioides

The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Striga orobanchioides given for 7 days to immature male rats at a dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight caused a significant decrease in the weight of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles and the ventral prostate. It also produced degenerative changes of Leydig cells, their nucleus, the seminiferous tubules and a significant decrease in the number of spermatocytes and spermatids. The seminiferous tubules of the treated rats are shrunken and compactly arranged. The antiandrogenic or antispermatogenic effect of the extract is discussed.

Effect of Momordica charantia Seed Extracts on Ovarian and Uterine Activities in Albino Rats

Petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform and alcohol extracts of the seeds of Momordica charantia were administered orally to adult, female albino rats at a dose level of 25mg/100g body weight for 30 days. The estrous cycle of these rats was irregular with prolonged estrus and metaestrus phases, and reduced diestrus and proestrus phases during the experimental period. At autopsy on day 31, ovarian weight was reduced, showing a decreased number of developing follicles, Graafian follicles and corpora lutea, and an increased number of atretic follicles in histological sections. The total cholesterol content of the ovary was increased and protein and glycogen were decreased. The weight of the uterus and its micrometric measurements in all experimental rats were increased significantly. However, the benzene extract of M. charantia seeds was more effective in causing these changes comparing to other extracts. Based on these results, the antiovulatory and estrogenic properties of M. charantia seed extracts are discussed.

Toxicological studies of Momordica charantia Linn Seed extracts in Male Mice

En un intento por descubrir la molecula de anticoncepcion masculina de origen vegetal, fueron probados los extractos de semillas de Momordica charantia en ratones machos. Extractos de eter de petroleo, cloroformo y etanol de Momordica charantia fueron administrados en dosis de 25mg/100g de peso corporal a ratones albinos de 48 dias por via intraperitoneal. Todos los extractos mostraron un efecto antiespermatogenicos, con reduccion del numero de espermatogonias, espermatocitos, espermatidas y espermatozoides. El aumento de peso del epididimo, prostata, vesiculas seminales y conductos deferentes indica claramente la propiedad androgenica de estos extractos. Despues de someter el extracto de etanol a la deteccion preliminar fitoquimica se observaron resultados positivos para alcaloides, flavonoides, glucosidos, fenoles, taninos, aceites y grasas. De los tres extractos probados, el extracto de etanol parece ser mas potente en sus actividades de anticonceptivas y androgenicas.

Aphrodisiac and phytochemical studies of Cocculus hirsutus extracts in albino rats

Abstract Objective To investigate the in vivo aphrodisiac activity of various extracts obtained from aerial parts Cocculus hirsutus ( C. hirsutus ). Methods We evaluated whether oral administration of C. hirsutus has spermatogenic activity in male rats. Petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol extract of aerial parts (stem and leaf) of C. hirsutus were administered at the dose level of 25 mg/100 g body weight to adult male albino rats for 30 days. Results The above said extracts have stimulated the spermatogenic activity and accessory reproductive organs performance in albino rats. Out of the three extracts administered, alcohol extract showed highly stimulant spermatogenic effects in mature male albino rats. Alcohol extract showed potent androgenic activity when treated in immature Albino rats. Males treated with the extract displayed more frequent and vigorous anogenital sniffing and mounting as compared to untreated animals. The increased spermatogenesis in extract treated groups was confirmed by change in histoarchitecture as evidenced by increase in number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatids and caudal spermatozoa. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening, the alcohol extract showed positive tests for steroids, saponins, oils and fats, phenolic compounds and tannins. Conclusion C. hirsutus exhibited remarkable increase in spermatogenic activity. These findings support the folk use of this plant as an aphrodisiac.

Spermatogenic index and hormonal profile in the rats received chromatographic fractions of ethanol extract of Crotalaria juncea L. seeds

The ethanol extract of the Crotalaria juncea seeds, which showed promising antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities in albino mice, was taken up further for the isolation of the active fractions present in it. Two fractions that were obtained from thin layer chromatography were subjected for testing to know their antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities. After preliminary trials the fraction I showed maximum antifertility activity at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally to the rats for 50 days. The fraction I was found to affect spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine functions of the testis as indicated by gravimetric, histopathological and biochemical changes. Further this fraction has caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of the testis. The accessory reproductive organs like epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostrate, Cowpers gland and Levator Ani muscle showed significant malfunction. Cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were reduced significantly. The treatment has also resulted in increase in the cholesterol level and alkaline phosphatase activity, and decrease in protein, glycogen, sialic acid contents and acid phosphatase activity in testis. It is noteworthy that RIA studies have shown significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed abnormalities in sperm structure.