ISSN No :2230-7850 RNI : MAHMUL/2011/38595
ISSN No :2230-7850 RNI : MAHMUL/2011/38595
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Vol - I , ISSUE - VI [ July 2011 ] : Zoology Author : R.A. Morey & A.J Khandagle [ Ramkrishna More Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akurdi, Pune ] Article : Antifertility potential of Abrus precatorius against male albino mice
Abstract
The effect of aqueous seed
extract of
Abrus precatorius
on reproduction was studied in male albino mice. The study was divided into three
groups of six animals each. The first group (I) received distilled water and served
as control. The second and third group (II & III) of animals were administered
the aqueous seed extract daily at 250mg/kg body weight and 300mg/kg body weight
respectively for 30 days. A dose related reduction in testicular sperm count and
the motility were observed. The result showed that
Abrus precatorius
has effect on male reproduction affecting the male reproductive system.
Keywords:
Abrus precatorius, sperm motility, sperm count.
Introduction
Rising human population throughout the world more particularly in developing and
underdeveloped countries has detrimental effects on life supporting system on earth.
Fertility regulation comprising contraception and management of infertility forms
an important
component of reproductive health (Allag et al. 2002).Though
considerable progress has been made in the development of highly effective, acceptable
and reversible methods of contraception among females, progress on males are still
limited(R.C. gupta et al. 2006). With recent progress towards a better understanding
of male reproductive physiology there is a need to develop new contraceptive modalities
for male. Several potential approaches for induction of infertility have been investigated
over a long period including hormonal and chemical approaches. The chemical compounds
affecting testicular function include different groups like steroidal and non-steroidal
among them are Danazol, Depot medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA), Cyproterone acetate(CPA)
Levenogestral, Melatonin,Seretonin. But application of above compounds has been
seriously questioned owing to various hazards as they were proved toxic on both the short
as well as long term use in the reproductive system.(Prasad M R N et al.).
Presently
herbal based medicines are gaining popularity and about 80% of the world population
depends on plant derived medicine for the first line of primary health care because
it has minimum or no side effects. (Verma et al. 2002)The fertility control
with plant products has been reported in the ancient literature of indigenous system
of medicine. They acted either by preventing implantation or by suppressing spermatogenesis
(Chaudhary R.R. et al. 1966).A large number of plant species with anti-fertility
effects has been screened in India and China and were subsequently fortified by
National and International agencies (WHO, 2000).However the search for effective,
safe and orally active plant products are yet to be needed for fertility regulation.
Abrus precatorius is a slender, perennial
climber that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedges. It is a
legume
with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves. It is also known as
Gunja in Sanskrit
and Ratti in Hindi. The plant is best known for its seeds, which are toxic due to
the presence of abrin.
The plant is native to
Indonesia and grows in tropical and subtropical
areas of the world where it has been introduced. It has a tendency to become
weedy and invasive where it has been introduced.
The present study was carried out to test the efficacy of spermicidal activity of
aqueous seed extract of
Abrus precatorius on male albino mice.
Material and Methods-
Seed extract preparation:
The seeds of
Abrus precatorius
were
collected from Pune area.
The seeds were cleaned with distilled water and
aqueous extract was prepared.
Animals: Adult male albino
mice weighing around 30g were procured from Institute of veterinary and Biological
products, Pune and were kept in polypropylene cages (three in each). They were acclimatized
to the laboratory conditions for a week and had free access to water.
Experimental Design
Group I: Control animals
Group II: The mice were treated
with Abrus
precatorius aqueous seed extract (250 mg/
kg body wt.,) for 30 days.
Group III: The mice were treated
with Abrus
precatorius aqueous seed extract (300 mg/kg
Body wt.,) for 30 days.
Estimation of sperm motility and count
The spermatozoa were obtained
by making small cuts in cauda epididymis and vas deferens and were placed in 1 ml
of Ringer–Bicarbonate buffer. The sperm suspension was evaluated for sperm content
and percent motility. The percent motility was determined by the progressive and
non-progressive movement of sperms observed under a microscope. The sperm count
was determined under Neubauer haemocytometer. To evaluate, the sperm abnormalities,
the sperm suspension was stained with eosin, smear were made on slides, air dried
and made permanent.
Results:
During the treatment with
Abrus precatorius seed extract, no significant
clinical and behavioral changes were observed in experimental groups. Similarly
there was no significant change in the body weight and sex organ weight, namely
testis and epididymis in all treated groups. The sperms of control group showed
normal morphology, motility and count. In treated group of mice the cauda epididymal
sperm parameters showed evidences of dose dependant toxicity. The sperm counts were
decreased in group II and III animals. About 50% of the sperms had abnormal
morphologies like coiling of tail,, fusion of tails of two sperms etc.The reduction
of sperm count and sperm motility were higher in group III(300mg/kg body wt) when
compare to group II(250mg/kg body wt.) and control group.
Table 1: Effect of
Abrus precatorius on Body weight, Organ weight, Sperm count and motility
Discussion
The treatment of animals with the seed extract of
Abrus precatorius
was very effective in producing the reversible sterility. For the male contraception
it is not necessary to stop the spermatogenesis, but rather to eliminate the fertilizing
ability of the spermatozoa by causing changes in the morphology or in the function
of sperm (Niketan V. et al. 2000).The treated group of animals indicated that there
is depletion in sperm count suggesting the alteration in sperm production in testes.
Decrease in sperm motility suggests the alteration of sperm maturation in the epididymis.
This result is also supported by Sinha (1990) who reported that seeds of
Abrus precatorius cause testicular anti fertility effects and suppression
of sperm motility in cauda epididymis.
In conclusion the results of present study suggested that
Abrus precatorius
seed extract
causes marked alterations in the male reproductive organs.
These seeds may be used as botanical contraceptive with further clinical trials.
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