Reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility activities of Mondia whiteiL. in male albino rat

Chronic administration of Mondia whitei L, root bark extract (400 mg/kg/day ) for 55 days caused testicular lesions resulting in the cessation of sperm atogenesis, degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and epididymid es, The wet weight of the seminal vesicle increased, whereas the weights of testes, epididymides and ventral prostate were unchanged. The treatment al so resulted in a partial antifertility effect, and an increase in the prote in content of the testes and epididymides, The cholesterol contents of the testes were significantly elevated after 55 days, whereas testosterone and 17 beta -oestradiol contents of the testes were unchanged. Serum protein wa s elevated but serum testosterone was unchanged, A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermat ogenic and antifertility effects of the plant. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.