Anti-spermatogenic Activity of Polyherbal Formulation on Male Wistar Albino Rats

Background: The development of plant-based alternatives is gaining thrust in contemporary research, with the traditional use as male contraceptive agents. To explore anti-spermatogenic properties of Polyherbal Formulation (PHF) containing hydroalcoholic extracts of seed Neem (Azadirachta indica), seeds of papaya (Carica papaya), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), cotton (Gossypium herbaceum) and fruit of Piper (Piper nigrum). Materials and Methods: Extraction of plant materials was carried out using Soxhlet extraction and maceration. After the extraction process, different polyherbal formulations were prepared using the extract. Experiments were conducted by administering the hydroalcoholic extract of PHF to male rats at different doses of 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. The evaluation of anti-spermatogenic activity was conducted using parameters such as reproductive organ weights, hormonal analysis, including serum testosterone levels, FSH, and LH, sperm count, and motility were evaluated using semen collected from the cauda epididymis. Results: After 28 days of treatment, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in testis weight was observed at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight/day (0.95±0.04 g). A significant reduction in testis weight may result from lower serum testosterone levels and disrupted sperm development, as testosterone is crucial for spermatogenesis. The decreased sperm count observed may be due to lower levels of FSH and LH, which are essential for spermatogenesis. Histological analysis revealed experimental group exhibited sperm head and tail abnormalities compared with the control group. Conclusion: The study indicates that the potential of plant-based polyherbal formulations exhibits significant anti-spermatogenic activity as a promising, safer alternative to synthetic male contraceptives.