ABSTRACT
Ethanol extracts of Aristolochia krisagathra Sivarajan and Pradeep and Aristolochia bracteata Retz. whole plant were administered intraperitoneally at the dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight to albino male rats for 21 days. The relative weight of the testis and other accessory sex organs decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Sperm motility and density in caudal epididymis decreased significantly in plant extracts-treated rats. Administration of ethanol extract of A. krisagathra and A. bracteata whole plants drastically caused (p < 0.05) sperm abnormality in caput and caudal regions. Tail region of the sperm was more affected than the head region. Biochemical observations indicate decreased level of protein, albumin, and globulin and increased level of urea, creatinine, and the activity of liver 306marker enzymes such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxoloacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. The results of the hormonal assay showed that increased levels of follicle stimulatory hormone and estrogen but decreased in the serum level of luteinizing hormone and testosterone compared to control. The results of fertility test indicated that the adult male rats reduced the number of female’s impregnation. In addition, number of implantation and the number of viable fetuses were also decreased. The results of the present study concluded that the ethanol extracts of whole plant of A. krisagathra and A. bracteata might be used as a contraceptive in the male.
