Antispermatogenic and Antiandrogenic Activity of Sapindus trifoliatus Fruit Extract in Intact and Castrated Male Gerbils

Abstract

Chronic administration of Sapindus trifoliatus L. fruit extract (Sa-I), at a dosage level of 10 mg oral/animal each other day, caused testicular lesions and inhibited the process of spermatogenesis at the primary spermatocyte stage in male gerbils. Seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear dimensions were reduced. Castration followed by administration of Sa-I regressed the epididymal epithelium. Total protein and sialic acid contents of the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicle and glycogen contents of testes were reduced after Sa-I treatment alone or in combination with TP to intact castrated gerbils. Acid phosphatase activity in the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles were decreased significantly.

Reduced androgen production was reflected in low levels of sialic acid in the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles. Serum cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride levels were elevated, whereas the protein levels and serum transaminases were in normal range. In conclusion: Sa-I caused an effective inhibition of spermatogenesis in gerbils after 22 days, thus inducing an antifertility state, but the alteration in serum lipid metabolism is somewhat alarming.

Key Word Index

Sapindus trifoliatus - Sapindaceae - Inhibition of Spermatogenesis - Lipid metabolism - Sialic acid