Antispermatogenic effects of Parkinsonia aculeata stembark in male rats

To evaluate the effect of Parkinsonia aculeata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) on male reproductive function and fertility, the ethanol crude extract of its stembark was administered orally to male rats at the dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg/rat per day for 60 days. A dose-dependent response was found after this treatment. The body weights were not affected, whereas the weights of reproductive organ decreased significantly after this treatment. Significant (p < 0.001) suppression of cauda epididymal sperm count and motility was observed. Fertility was decreased in this treatment by 100% in Parkinsonia aculeata-treated rats. The testicular cell population, that is, primary (preleptotene, pachytene) and secondary spermatocytes, were reduced significantly. A significant decline was also noticed in seminiferous tubular diameter and differential count of Leydig cells. Oral administration of this drug at all the dose levels did not alter the blood and serum profiles, whereas testosterone level of serum was declined. The concentration of testicular cholesterol was significantly elevated, whereas protein, sialic acid, glycogen, and fructose content were reduced significantly (p < 0.01). It is concluded that Parkinsonia aculeata treatment has an antispermatogenic effect in male rats.