Abstract

DEGENERATIVE EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS LINN. (NAYANTARA) ON HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURES OF TESTES AND EPIDIDYMIS OF ALBINO RAT

Kartik Shaw, Krishna Nandi, Ramjyoti Ganguly and *Dr. Chandan Roy

Abstract

Male reproductive system is a multifaceted process that involves thetestes, epididymis, accessory glands and associated hormones. Testesperforms two highly organized and intricative events, calledspermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, which are vital for theperpetuation of life. On the other hand, Catharanthus roseus Linn.(Nayantara) has an effect on blood sugar. It reduces blood sugar, inrural areas people often take some leaves of this ornamental plant andchew it. This project shows that long term use of the leaves ofNayantara (Nayantara leaf extract) causes reduction in epididymalsperm count. There was two set of animals having 3 subsets. Main twosets were before treatment group and other was after treatment group. The subsets werenormal group, low dose group and high dose group. Leaves were collected and water extractwas made and then administered orally to the animals daily for 30 days. After 30 days oftreatment with extract, animals were sacrificed and the parameters were checked. In thisproject, it has been seen that Nayantara treatment severely causes lower count of epididymalsperm, and apoptosis occurred in testes and epididymis cells. Loss of spermatozoa anddestruction of leydig cells seen severely in high dose group animals and moderately in lowdose group animals.

Keywords: Male reproductive system, Catharanthus roseus Linn., Nayantara, Epididymal sperm count, Spermatozoa, Leydig cells.