Abstract

EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS, SOLANUM XANTHOCARPUM AND MOMORDICA CHARANTIA EXTRACT ON REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF MALE RATS

Alka Singh and U. V. S. Teotia*

Abstract

To determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Catharanthus roseus, Solanum xanthocarpum and Momordica charantia on the fertility of male albino rats. 25 healthy Male rats weighing between 150-200g were selected. Each category (male and female groups) contains 5 groups of 5 each. First group received distilled water and considered as control. The second and third, fourth and fifth group of animals were received ethanolic extract of Catharanthus roseus, Solanum xanthocarpum and Momordica charantia orally at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 56 days (8 weeks) respectively. Group V rats were administered 400 mg/kg body weight as in group IV but was allowed a recovery period of eight weeks. In male rats group, there was a substantial decrease in the sperm count, motility and a substantial reduction in sex hormones and fertility capacity reduction were observed. The decreased levels of sperm count, fertility capacity, in male rats reveals the antifertility activity of all three plant extracts in dose dependent manner.

Keywords: Catharanthus roseus, Solanum xanthocarpum and Momordica charantia, Sperm count and Antifertility.