Inhibition of Spermatogenesis by Triterpenes of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth Pods in Male Albino Rats

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.