Azadirachta indica A. Juss Induced Changes in Spermatogenic Pattern in Albino Rats

Objective: The leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss was tested to find the antispermatogenicity in seminiferious epithelium of rats. Materials and methods: Male albino rats were administered orally (by gavage), 100 mg/ body weight Azadirachta indica leaf powder with or without testosterone (IM). Suitable controls were maintained. Results: Damaged seminiferous tubules and abundance of vacuoles of varying size were observed in Azadirachta indica treated rats. The germ cells showed overall decrease in cytoplasmic ground substance. Leydig cells exhibited characteristics of degeneration with condensed nuclei. Total count of spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells were reduced. The cell and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells were also reduced. Conclusion: From the results obtained, it can be observed that Azadirachta indica effects on the testis are possibly due to gonadotrophic hormone deficiency, caused directly or indirectly. The probable mode of antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic actions of the medicinal plant is discussed.