Author Details

Aim : To evaluate the antifertility activity of triterpenes isolated from Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth pods in male albino rats. Methods : Oral administration of triterpenes isolated from Albizia lebbeck pods at the dose level of 50 mg/rat/day for 60 days. Testicular sperm count, epididymal sperm count and motility were assessed. Biochemical and histological analysis were performed in blood samples and reproductive organs. Results : Oral administration of triterpenes did not cause any significant change in the body weights but a significant reduction in the weight of reproductive organs i.e. testis, epididymides, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were observed. Testicular sperm count, epididymal sperm count and motility were significantly reduced (p<0.001), when compared to controls. Arrest of spermatogenesis was noted as various stages of spermatogenesis showed depression. Production of primary spermatocytes (preleptotene and pachytene), secondary spermatocytes and step-19 spermatids declined by 57.80%, 57.46%, 58.14% and 55.89% respectively. The size of seminiferous tubules reduced by 20.09%. Cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cell as well as its counts were found to be reduced significantly (p<0.001). Leydig cell nuclear area and number of mature Leydig cells decreased by 51.66% and 52.48% respectively. Serum testosterone level showed significant reduction after triterpenes feeding (p<0.001). Biochemical parameters of tissues i.e. protein, sialic acid, glycogen, cholesterol content of testis and seminal vesicular fructose showed significant reduction (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in RBC and WBC count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood glucose, cholesterol, protein, triglycerides, phospolipids and HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion : Oral administration of triterpenes isolated from Albizia lebbeck pods causes spermatogenesis arrest in male albino rats.

Keywords

Albizia Lebbeck, Triterpenes, Sperm Motility, Primary Spermatocytes, Sertoli Cells, Leydig Cells

Full Text

Username
Password
Remember me