Evaluation of spermatotoxicity of leonotis nepetifolia in male albino rats

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the potential spermatotoxic effect of ethanolic extract of Leonotis nepetifolia (EELN) in male albino rats. Ethanolic extract of Leonotis nepetifolia was given by gavage to rats in the in vivo test at a dose of 100,150 and 200mg/kg of bodyweight, along with normal controls and there by studying changes in sperm morphology consisting counts, motility and abnormalities of cauda epididymal sperm adapting light microscopy. Findings of this study revealed, the sperm concentration in the epididymis and sperm motility are decreased, whereas sperm abnormalities increased like sloughing of sperm neck, detached head, and coiling of end tail. In extract treated rats, the duration of sperm motility reduced with respect to the increased dose level. A triplet maner of reduction in the sperm counts and the viability, respectively were observed in EELN-200mg/kg body weight group. Sperm abnormality was increased by EELN in a dose-dependent manner was assessed by acridine Orange fluorescent staining and there was a highest elevation by the multiples of twenty with control in 200mg/kg group. This result indicates disruption of spermatogenic as well as androgenic compartment. The present study can be concluded the Leonotis nepetifolia extract suppress male fertility without altering the general metabolism.