Abstract

ASPECTS ON THE ANTIFERTILITY PROPERTY OF PIPER BETEL LINN. LEAF STALK EXTRACT: EFFECT ON GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS AND CAUDA EPIDIDYMAL SPERM PARAMETERS

Vengaiah V, Govardhan Naik A & Changamma C

Abstract

Although many types of contraceptive agents are available but these have several side effects, there are several medicinal plants known to possess male contraceptive properties either by suppressing spermatogenesis or by spermicidal action. In the present study the betel leaf stalk extract was administered orally at the dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 15days. The investigations are carried out on sperm analysis and gravimetric analysis. The reduction in the caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility as well as sperm viability are clear indications that piper betel extract can affect one or more aspects of spermatogenesis. The increase in the testes weight may be attributed to impaired secretary activity of the testes. Decreased weight of accessory sex glands indicate the atrophy of glandular tissue and diminished secretary ability reflects the decreased level of testosterone as these organs are androgen dependent. Reduction in the weight and weight ratio of accessory sex organs might be due to low levels of androgen, which was not enough to maintain the weight of accessories. The atrophy of glandular tissue and diminished secretary ability reflects the decreased level of testosterone as these organs are androgen dependent.

Keywords: Antifertility, sperm analysis, reproductive tissues.