Research Article Open Access

Anti-fertility Effects of Aqueous Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract on Male Mouse

Abstract

Background and aim: The increasing population is a pressing issue in India. When it comes to contraception, far greater emphasis is laid on the role of a female. However, male contraception is easily developable, thanks to the far simpler hormonal makeup of the male as compared to the female. In this regard, considering the toxicity associated with chemicals, herbal contraception is the need of the hour owing to less toxicity and better adaptability to the system. Thus, the present study explored the possibility of Ocimum sanctum as a probable candidate for herbal male contraception. Experimental procedure: Male mouse were administered with three different doses (10 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg) of aqueous Ocimum sanctum leaf extract orally for a period of 8 weeks after which the animals were sacrificed. Results: There was a dose dependent decrease in sperm motility and concentration together with a decline in litter size and serum testosterone levels. The enzymatic markers for oxidative stress were found to be elevated dose dependently. In addition, testis histopathology revealed loss of germ cells and shrinkage of germinal epithelium with increasing dose and a complete lack of sperms in the 80 mg group. The mRNA expression of Catsper gene, responsible for sperm motility was also altered dose dependently. Contrastingly, the withdrawal of treatment for 8 weeks led to reversal of deleterious effects. Conclusion: The present study revealed the deleterious effects of aqueous Ocimum sanctum leaf extract on male fertility. The reversible nature of damage makes Ocimum sanctum a potential candidate for safe herbal male contraception.

Pavitra Ranawat*, Vidhu Mahajan

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