Reversible antifertility activity of methanol extract of Momordica dioica Roxb. in male albino rats

In the present era the major problem for developing countries is the increasing population. To fight this, various hormonal, chemical and surgical methods are developed for male but they have undesirable side effects and irreversibility. The present research work is going on the development of fertility regulating drug from plant organs.

Therefore the present work was done to evaluate the antifertility activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) in male albino rats. For this adult proven fertile male rats were gavaged 100% methanol extract of Momordica dioica root at the dose level of 5mg/rat/day for 60 days. Momordica dioica reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. A reduction was seen in the cauda epididymal sperm motility and density. Marked decline were also found in the testicular germ cell population, Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells, However no morphological changes were observed in Sertoli cells as well as in their counts. Serum testosterone level was also reduced after Momordica dioica treatment. The protein glycogen, sialic acid, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase content of testes, protein and sialic acid in cauda epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle was decreased significantly, whereas cholesterol content of testes increased significantly. Momordica dioica extract did not alter the blood & serum parameters, which shows the non-toxic nature. All the parameters were reversible after withdrawal of the drug. In conclusion methanol extract of Momordica dioica root have antifertility activity with their reversible nature.

Acknowledgment: Authors are thankful to the Head, Department of Zoology, Prof. N.K. Lohiya Coordinator CAS, Department of Zoology for providing the necessary facilities and UGC, Regional Office, Bhopal, INDIA for financial support.