Reversible azoospermia by oral administration of the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya in rabbits

Contraceptive efficacy, reversibility and toxicity, if any, of the benzene, chloroform and ethyl acetate chromatographic fractions of the chloroform e xtract of the seeds of Carica papaya have been investigated in adult male r abbits at a dose regimen of 50 mg/animal/day for 150 days of treatment. Bod y weight, semen analysis, hematology, serum clinical biochemistry and the f ertility status of control and treated animals were evaluated. Chloroform a nd ethyl acetate chromatographic fractions did not produce appreciable chan ges in these parameters. However, the benzene chromatographic fraction resu lted in uniform azoospermia after 15 days of treatment, which was maintaine d for the remainder of the 150-day observation period. The levels of fructo se, glycerophosphocholine, acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in th e seminal plasma were within the control range. Hematology and the serum cl inical parameters showed no appreciable changes, indicating lack of toxicit y. The libido of the treated animals was normal and the fertility rate was zero. Complete normalcy of altered parameters was observed 60 days followin g withdrawal of treatment. It is concluded that the benzene chromatographic fraction of the chloroform extract of the seeds of Carica papaya possesses reversible male contraceptive potential and the effects appear to be media ted through the testis.