Sperm quotient in Sprague–Dawley rats fed graded doses of seed extract of Momordica charantia

Abstract

Introduction: Momordica charantia has been investigated for its effect on various organs and its numerous indications have been cited in literature. There are, however, scanty publications on its effect on the male reproductive system. Objective: To evaluate the effects of methanolic seed extract of M. charantia (MC) on the sperm production (sperm number and motility), testicular volume and testicular testosterone in Sprague–Dawley (S–D) rats. Materials and methods: Twenty adult male S–D rats, weighing 106–200 g allotted randomly into four main groups (A, B, C and D). Groups A, B and C received 15, 25 and 50 mg/100 g b.w/oral of MC, respectively, daily. Group IV rats (control) were fed equal volume of physiological saline. The duration of treatment for both extract and physiological saline was 56 days. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Testicular volume, sperm count and motility and testicular testosterone estimated. Results: The sperm number and motility were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dose. Similarly a dose dependent decrease in the testicular testosterone concentrations and testicular volume (p < 0.05) was also recorded. Conclusion: M. charantia seed extract suppresses the sperm production in rats. Thus, it could be developed into a contraceptive agent for men.

Keywords

• Momordica charantia
• Sprague–Dawley
• Testes
• Sperm production