Antispermatogenic Effect of Carica Papaya Seed Extract on Steroidogenesis in Albino Rats

Steroidogenesis plays a key role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive function and fertility. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Carica papaya seed extract on steroidogenesis. The reduced cholesterol levels indicate decreased mobilization towards androgenesis which leads to decreased steroidogenesis and thereby inhibition of spermatogenesis in testes. The lowering of the 3βHSD and 17β-HSD activity levels in the testes suggest the antifertility agents interfere with steroid hormone biosynthesis, which ultimately result in impaired spermatogenesis and infertility. The oleanolic glycoside, sinigrin, present in papaya seeds is acting on spermatogenesis by inhibiting the steroidogenesis which leads to antispermatogenesis. Thus the carica papaya seed extraction shows its infertility effect on spermatogenesis.