This study evaluated the antifertility activity of methanolic extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaf on male rats. During the experiment, different doses of extract (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats for 28 days. Analysis of sperm parameters revealed a dose-dependent decrease in sperm motility, viability and daily sperm production (DSP). While, increased oxidative stress in reproductive organs; and impaired testicular and epididymal histology was also evident in high dose regimen. Furthermore, a reduction in concentrations of plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was also recorded. Reduced pregnancy outcome and small litter size in the females paired with treated male rats after 30 days of treatment withdrawn was noted in higher doses. From these findings, it is concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of C. ambrosioides is quite effective in reversible suppression of male fertility.
Keywords: Chenopodium ambrosioides; contraception; histology; hormonal analysis; spermicide.
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