Buchholzia coriacea seed induce antifertility by interfering with steroidogenic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in rat testis

Buchholzia coriacea has been reported to possess antifertility activities but little is known of the mechanisms responsible. This study was therefore designed to examine the mechanism responsible for the action of Buchholzia coriacea. Eighteen male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for this study. They were grouped into 3 (n = 6) namely, Control, Methanolic fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (MFBC) 50 mg/kg, and MFBC 100 mg/kg administered orally with respective dosage. After 6 weeks of administration, rats were euthanized, serum collected, while testes, epididymis and prostate were excised and homogenized. Testicular protein and testosterone, aromatase and 5α-reductase enzyme, 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-10 and Prostatic specific enzyme antigen (PSA) were assessed and data analyzed with ANOVA. There were significant increases in 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD levels in the MFBC 50 mg/kg with corresponding decreases in MFBC 100 mg/kg when compared to control. IL-1 was decreased in both doses while IL-10 increased in both doses compared to control. 5-α reductase enzyme was significantly decreased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg relative to the control. Testicular protein, testosterone and aromatase enzyme were not significantly different at both doses compared to control. PSA was significantly increased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg but not the 50 mg/kg relative to control. MFBC exhibits antifertility properties by interfering with testicular enzymes and inflammatory cytokines.

Toxicity of Patiwala Leaf Extract (Lantana camara Linn.) as Antifertility Against Pregnancy in Rat (Mus musculus L.) Preimplantation Stage

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Expert biological pest control is thought to be safer and to have fewer side effects. The use of plants carrying antifertility compounds is one method that can be developed to biologically reduce rat pest populations and thwart reproduction. This study aims to determine whether the toxicity of patiwala leaf extract (<i>Lantana camara</i> Linn.) can interfere with preimplantation stage rat (<i>Mus musculus</i> L.) pregnancy. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study was an experimental study arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 groups with 6 replications namely control (no treatment), patiwala leaf extract concentrations of 2 g/kg b.wt. (P1), 4 g/kg b.wt. (P2) and 6 g/kg b.wt. (P3). Mice were treated orally by gavage using a 1 mL disposable syringe on the 1st day of pregnancy (preimplantation) for three consecutive days. Mice were dissected at 16 days of gestation, observations were made of the percentage of implantation (%IM), the percentage of gestational loss (%KGE) and the percentage of postimplantation mortality (%KPI). Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using KaleidaGraph 95% confidence level and Tukey's HSD test. <b>Results:</b> The toxicity of patiwala leaf extract significantly interfered with the preimplantation stage of pregnancy in rats. The P3 treatment (6 g/kg b.wt.) gave a higher toxicity effect, namely, the percentage of implantation success was only 25.67%, the percentage increase in gestational loss was 74.26% and the percentage of post-implantation death was 66.67%. <b>Conclusion:</b> The patiwala leaf extract at a concentration of 6 g/kg b.wt., interfered with the pregnancy of preimplantation stage rats because it could reduce the number of live fetuses.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) as a contraceptive: An evidence-based review on its pharmacological efficiency

BACKGROUND

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. is an Indian medicinal plant with innumerable pharmacological properties. Studies have proven that the phytochemicals from neem possess remarkable contraceptive abilities with limited knowledge on its mechanism of action.

PURPOSE

The present review aims to summarize the efficiency of A. indica treatment as a contraceptive.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Published scientific articles on antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient activities of A. indica were collected from reputed Journals from 1980 to 2020 using electronic databases. Specific keywords search was completed to collect numerous articles with unique experiment design and significant results. This was followed by the selection of the requisite articles based on the criteria designed by the authors. Data extraction was based on the common research elements included in the articles.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies were considered for reviewing, which included key pharmacological investigations. In the beginning, authors evaluated a number of publications on the contraceptive properties of A. indica, in which it was revealed that most of the publications were made between 2005 and 2009. All the collected articles were categorised and reviewed as antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient. Authors also assessed studies based on the plant parts used for pharmacological evaluations including leaves, seeds, stem-bark, and flowers. The article was primarily divided into different sections based on the previous works of authors on phytochemistry and pharmacological review articles.

CONCLUSION

Although A. indica is not reported with the complete alleviation of reproductive system in both male and female animal models, studies have proven its efficacy as a contraceptive. Extracts and phytochemicals from neem neither reduced the libido nor retarded the growth of secondary sexual characters, thus indicating only a temporary and reversible contraceptive activity. However, there is a dearth for clinical studies to prove the efficacy of A. indica as a herbal contraceptive.

Leaf and Fruit Methanolic Extracts of Azadirachta indica Exhibit Antifertility Activity on Rats' Sperm Quality and Testicular Histology

BACKGROUND

The world's population is still growing, having an impact on the environment and the economic growth of developing countries; so that, there is a particular interest in the development of new fertility control methods, focused on male contraception.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extracts of leaf and fruit of Azadirachta indica on sperm quality and testicular histology of Long Evans rats.

METHODS

Antifertility effects of a methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of A. indica on 24 male rats were investigated. The animals were randomly divided into two control groups and four treatment groups (n=4). Doses of the leaf and fruit extract were given at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg mL-1.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the viability of sperm cells was observed. The leaf extract at a concentration of 200 μg mL-1 inhibited cell viability compared to the negative control (p< 0.001). The percentage of abnormal cells in leaf extract was shown in 100 and 200 μg mL-1, the conditions at which a higher percentage of morphological irregularities of observed (15% and 16% respectively). The results show that there was cellular detachment in the seminiferous epithelium in the experimental groups treated with methanolic extracts. Sperm death was observed without decreasing the number of sperm.

CONCLUSION

The methanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica have a modulating effect on the spermatogenesis of experimental rats through sperm morphological alterations.

flower in male albino rats

Background

Search for an effective, feasible, and safe male contraceptive has been one of the major public health challenges. The present contraceptive methods are either permanent or impractical. Herbal methods are considered safe, and thus, their acceptability is higher than other prospective methods.

Aims

In the present study, oral administration of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower was investigated for its potential role in the modulation of fertility in male albino rats.

Materials and methods

Healthy male albino rats were randomly distributed into three groups, i.e., a control and two groups administered with 50 and 500 mg/kg body weight/day of methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower for 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Fertility records were maintained throughout the experimental period. At the end of experiment, animals were sacrificed and the weight of reproductive organs, sperm characteristics, and histopathology of testicular and epididymal tissues were evaluated. A 45-day withdrawal period was also investigated for parameters as described above for each group.

Results

A 40% decline in fertility rate was evident in rats administered with 500 mg/kg of B. monosperma flower extract for 180 consecutive days. A significant reduction in testicular and epididymal weight was observed in these animals. Sperm count, motility, and viability were also reduced significantly in animals treated for 180 days. Histological evaluation of testicular cells indicated distortions in germ cell arrangements at various stages of spermatogenesis. Following 45 days of withdrawal, the resumption of normal functional and histological characteristics was apparent.

Conclusion

Based on the abnormalities present in the sperm characteristics and damages in testicular histology, it was confirmed that methanolic extract of B. monosperma flower contain antifertility potential.

Biochemical and toxicological effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus africanus Lam in Sprague-Dawley rats

Asparagus africanus Lam. is a plant used traditionally to treat different ailments. Currently, scanty information is available on its safety. The aim of this study is to determine the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract on vital organs and its associated biochemical parameters. Fifteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as normal control, groups II, III, IV, and V were orally administered single dose of crude extract dissolved in distilled water at 5 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW, 300 mg/kg BW and 2,000 mg/kg BW. Rats were observed for 14 days and body weights were recorded. On day 15, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological analyses, while the liver and kidneys were sampled for histopathological examination. Body weight and haematology parameters results showed significance difference (p < 0.05) among means of HGB, RDW, RBC, and MCHC; likewise, (p < 0.001) for WBC and platelet among treated groups. Histopathology result showed that kidneys appeared normal while livers were congested with mildly swollen hepatocytes and occasional binucleation. Focal lobular hepatitis was observed in all treated animals. However, hepatic enzymes were not significantly affected and no histopathological harmful effects were observed in kidney. In conclusion, methanolic extracts of A. africanus are safe up to 2,000 mg/kg BW. The obtained results could be used as a justification for the traditional application of the plant for treatment of various ailments.

Antifertility effectiveness of a novel polymer matrix composite and its influence on the endometrium in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

OBJECTIVE(S)

To explored the antifertility effectiveness and influence on the endometrium of a micro-copper/low-density polyethylene/methyl vinyl silicone rubber (Cu/LDPE/MVQ) composite in rhesus macaques.

STUDY DESIGN

Healthy reproductive aged female rhesus macaques underwent abdominal hysterotomy for surgical placement of either the experimental Cu/LDPE/MVQ composite (Cu/LDPE/MVQ, n=5), bare copper wire (Cu, n=5), or hysterotomy only sham-operation group [(SOI, n=4), (SOII, n=6)]. Females in the Cu/LPDE/MVQ, Cu, and SOI groups were housed with fertile males for approximately three menstrual cycles. We assessed pregnancy by hysterectomy. Females in the Cu/LDPE/MVQ, Cu, and SOII groups underwent hysterectomy at about 4 months post-insertion for histologic assessment of morphologic changes of the endometrium, evaluation of materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluation of the inflammatory markers, including substance P receptor (SPR), associated with endometrial bleeding using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

All of the SOI group females became pregnant (4/4, 100%). In contrast, no pregnancies occurred in either the Cu/LDPE/MVQ (0/5, 0%) or Cu (0/5, 0%) groups. We observed histologic features consistent with chronic endometrial inflammation in all females of the Cu group, but none of the SOII or Cu/LDPE/MVQ animals. Levels of inflammatory markers were significantly increased in the Cu group, compared with SOII or Cu/LDPE/MVQ groups (p<.05). SEM showed evidence of corrosion in the Cu wire not seen in the Cu/LDPE/MVQ group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Cu/LDPE/MVQ material provided a contraceptive effect similar to Cu in macaques, with a lower impact on inflammation and inflammatory markers of the endometrium.

IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates the possibility of a Cu/LDPE/MVQ composite as an alternative to conventional copper device materials.

Evaluation of antifertility potential of Piper betle (Petiole) on female wistar rats "rising approaches of herbal contraception''

Piper betle (Petiole) is used of herbal methods for fertility regulation is widely accepted alternative for the synthetic drugs containing chemical having side effects. Piper betle (Petiole) is the plant having several medical properties but no reports were available on the antifertility activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifertility activity of extracts of Piper betle (Petiole) on female wistar rats at the doses 500 mg/kg b.wt./day for 30 days. Different parameters were studied in female wistar rats including effect of Reproductive outcome, Anti-implantation, Abortifacient and Estrogenic & Anti-estrogenic activity, were observed. Piper betle shown positive test for Alkaloids, Steroid, Flavonoids, Terpene, Carbohydrates and Tannin. The extract has anti-fertility effect the control rats showed good number of litters and treatment of animal with different extracts resulted a significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Antifertility activity 51% and 37.2% was exhibited by Alcoholic extracts of Piper betle (Petiole) APB and Aqueous extracts of Piper betle (Petiole) WPB respectively. After 21 days of the extracts free period, the antifertility effect of the extracts was reversed. The extract treatment with APB, an increase in the percentage of resorption index indicates the failure in development of embryo. The mean percentage of anti-implantation and abortifacient were found to be highest for APB-38.45%, WPB 13.62, and APB-28.96%, WPB-12.75% respectively. The decrement in implantation caused by the extracts may be due to estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. However, along with standard APB exhibiting more potent estrogenic and less potent anti-estrogenic when compared with standard. Female antifertility agents should include acceptability, safety and efficacy during and after the treatment. The above results revealed the potential, reversible female antifertility effect of alcoholic extract Piper betle (Petiole).

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Reproductive Outcome Study shows the effect of different extracts on the fertility of female rats. The control rats showed good number of litters. Treatment of animal with different extracts resulted a significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). A significant antifertility activity (62.2%) was exhibited by Alcoholic extract of Piper betle (Petiole).

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Postcoital antifertility study showed the anti-implantation activity in the treated animals. Treated animals delivered litters which, was significantly less than control. The extract treatments with APB, significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the number of litters born.

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Estrogenic and Anti-Estrogenic study shows the highly significant value show increase in the uterine weight (410.67 ± 09.09^a) mg/100 g b.wt.) and uterine contents was observed in estrogen treated group (P < 0.001) (Table 6). However, co-administration of Ethinyl Estradiol and extract caused a highly significant (P < 0.001) decrease in uterine weight [(102.65 ± 7.43^b) mg/100 g b.wt.] when compared to estrogen treated group.

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Hormonal Analysis shows an imbalance in endogenous estrogen and progesterone levels could be responsible for Anti-implantation activity.

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The results of the present study provide that evidence for the antifertility activity of Piper betle as claimed in the traditional use. The flavonoids, Phytosterol, and Terpenoid present in the extracts may be responsible for their activity.

Antifertility Effect of Bougainvillea spectabilis or Paper Flower

Bougainvillea spectabilis (Family: Nyctaginaceae), commonly referred to as Great Bougainvillea or Paper Flower, is one of the traditional medicinal plants with potential antifertility activity. The aqueous extract and decoction of this plant have been used as fertility control among the tribal people in many countries. Furthermore, it has been shown to possess anticancer, antidiabetic, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties. Its phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, oxalates, phenolics, phlobotannins, quinones, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids were reported as the basis of its efficacious therapeutic properties. The other important constituents which contribute to the remedial properties are bougainvinones, pinitol, quercetagetin, quercetin, and terpinolene. Published information on the antifertility property of B. spectabilis was gathered by the use of different database platforms including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciFinder, and Scopus. These database platforms were used to provide an up-to-date review on its importance.

Acetylshikonin from Zicao exerts antifertility effects at high dose in rats by suppressing the secretion of GTH

Zicao is being highlighted as a promising Chinese medicine due to all the beneficial effects that have been associated with its use. Unfortunately, studies on the toxicity of Zicao in different species are still missing and should be carried out. In this study, we investigated whether Acetylshikonin (AS) from Zicao has an anti-fertility effect through mating experiments and explored its underling mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats received no treatment or were treated with 120, 360 or 1080 mg/kg AS extract by intragastric administration for 2 weeks. The rat pregnancy rate of the 1080 mg/kg dose group was significantly decreased relative to control group, while it recovered after a month of drug withdrawal, which indicated that the effect of antifertility is reversible. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in rat were significantly decreased by AS. The secretion of FSH in rat anterior pituitary cells was decreased but the synthesis was not affected. AS reduced the number of developing follicle and mature follicle in rat ovarian cortical. Maybe all of these resulted from AS decreased the expression of synaptotagmin-1 and SNAP-25 which were the critical proteins of exocytosis. Our data suggested that AS at high dose can suppress the ability of pregnancy of the rats through decreasing serum FSH and LH levels by affecting exocytosis process of gonadotropic hormone (GTH).

Effect of Solanum surattense seed on the oxidative potential of cauda epididymal spermatozoa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of aqueous seed extract of Solanum surattense (S. surattense) on the oxidative potential of cauda epididymal spermatozoa.

METHODS

S. surattense seed extract was orally administered at the dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w. for 15 days, after which aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), citric acid and iso-citrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) were assayed.

RESULTS

The activity levels of the enzymes AST and ALT, which are considered to be the androgenicity in the sperm suspension, were depleted in the extract fed rats. The activity level of the enzyme ICDH, was reduced significantly in the treated group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the oral administration of the aqueous seed extract of S. surattense can deplete the oxidative stress of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in albino rats.

Spermicidal and antifertility effects of an imbibing and soluble nonoxynol-9 diaphragm (ISND) in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of an imbibing and soluble nonoxynol-9 (N-9) diaphragm (ISND) required for immobilisation of all spermatozoa in vitro and in vivo. The speed of semen absorbance, time of ISND to dissolution, and the antifertility effects were also investigated in rabbits.

METHODS

In vitro spermicidal tests with ISND were conducted using fresh semen from humans and rabbits. Spermicidal and antifertility effects were observed in vivo after the ISND was placed directly into the vagina of rabbits.

RESULTS

The MEC of N-9 required in the ISND to totally immobilise sperm within 20 seconds was 0.15 mg/ml for human sperm, and 0.5 mg/ml for rabbit sperm. The human semen was absorbed into the ISND in 45 minutes; the diaphragm dissolved in the vagina 3.5 hours later. In vivo, in rabbits, the MEC of N-9 required to immobilise sperm within five minutes of mating was 1 mg/kg in the ISND, and 10 mg/kg for the nonoxynol-9 film. The median effective dose of N-9 in the ISND was 1.07 mg/kg, whereas for the film it was 3.30 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The spermicidal and antifertility activities of a low dose N-9 in the ISND were high, with properties of imbibition and solubility confirmed.

Inferences from the ADMET analysis of predicted inhibitors to Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the context of infertility

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein secreted by gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland that regulates reproduction in mammals. FSH targets its receptor (FSHR) expressed only on grannulosa cells and induce the maturation of ovarian follicles in females. The levels of both FSH and FSHR rise until the middle of estrus cycle and then falls on level at the time of ovulation. It is associated with stimulated sertoli cell proliferation in testes and supports spermatogenesis in males. The interaction between the polypeptide FSH hormone and its corresponding receptor is highly selective. Therefore, it is of interest to inhibit FSH in the context of infertility. The structure of FSH (PDB ID: 1XWD) is screened using molecular docking techniques against the ZINC database (a database of 2.7 million compounds) with reference to known standard compounds. This exercise identifies compounds with better binding and ADMET (Absorption, Digestion, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) properties compared to known standard compounds. These observations find application for the consideration of such compounds for further validation towards inhibiting the FSH.

Antifertility effects of herbs: Need for responsible reporting

Evaluation of herbs for antifertility effects has been in progress worldwide for several decades to identify effective and safe substances for control of population explosion. Inspite of availability of internationally accepted guidelines for the assessment of reproductive toxicity/antifertility potential of test substances, many published articles, on critical review, seem to lack reproducibility and are thus likely to mislead both the scientific community and the general public. This paper, while emphasizing the importance of generating authentic toxicity/safety information on acclaimed medicinal herbs, spells out existing pitfalls in such studies, and explores some control measures worth considering in times to come.

Antifertility activity of aqueous ethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark in female rats

BACKGROUND

Hymenocardia acida is traditionally used in African herbal medicine and has numerous therapeutic benefits. But little is known about its potentially negative effects on pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antifertility effect of aqueous ethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark in female Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four groups of rats were administered orally aqueous ethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 19 days. The control group received distilled water. On day 20 of gestation, each rat was laparatomised and number of corpora lutea of pregnancy, number of live fetuses as well as the postcoitum fertility index, weights of the foetuses and placentae were determined.

RESULTS

Oral administration of the extract from days 1 to 19 of gestation showed reduction (p<0.05) in the number of corpora lutea of pregnancy and number of live fetuses. Weights of fetuses of extract treated female rats were also smaller (p<0.05) compared with the control. Anti-implantation activity of the treatment groups were 41.4%, 48.3% and 51.7% for groups II to IV respectively, whereas antifertility activity of the groups was found to be 40%, 60% and 60% in the same order.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that aqueous ethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark could induce negative effects on reproductive functions in female albino rats.

Effect of Rumex steudelii methanolic root extract on ovarian folliculogenesis and uterine histology in female albino rats

BACKGROUND

A substantial number of the world population especially that of the developing countries rely on herbal products to control their fertility since ancient times. Rumex steudelii Hochst is one of the traditionally used antifertility plants in Ethiopia. Previous studies showed that the methanolic root extract of the plant had reversible antifertility effect in experimental animals. However, no study had hitherto been done on the antifertility activity of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii on the ovary and uterus of female albino rats.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quantitative aspects of follicular development in the ovaries and uterine histology in cyclic female albino rats to get further information on the possible mechanism of antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of R. steudelii.

METHODS

The effect of the extract on uterine histology and ovarian follicular growth was determined after oral administration of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii at 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg/day doses consecutively for 30 days.

RESULTS

The extract significantly decreasing the number of healthy small antral, Graffian follicles and corpora lutea with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic follicles of the same stage in dose dependent manner. Treatment at 3.0 g/Kg dose level in addition caused a significant decrease in the number of healthy primary, small preantral and large preantral follicles with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic primary follicles. The ovarian and uterine wet weights are reduced significantly. The extracts also caused a significant decrease in the epithelial cell height, myometrial and stromal thickness in a dose dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the methanolic extract could cause atrophic changes in the uterus and disruption of ovarian folliculogenesis by inhibiting further development of the recruited ovarian follicles.

Estrogenic and pregnancy interceptory effects of Achyranthes aspera Linn. root

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is an abundant indigenous herb in India. It is traditionally being used as an abortifacient. Four successive solvent extracts of the root were screened for antifertility activity in female albino rats. The chloroform and ethanol extracts exhibited 100% anti-implantation activity when given orally at 200 mg/kg body weight. Both the extracts at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight also exhibited estrogenic activity. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm this estrogenic activity.