Antifertility Activity of Various Extracts of Crotalaria juncea Linn., Seeds in Male Mice

Plants have served as a natural source of antifertility substances. Henshaw (1953) listed many plants used by primitive people in different countries to control fertility. Though many indigenous plants have been shown to prevent births, only a few plants have so far been investigated for antispermatogenic activity (Kholkute, 1977; Segal, 1985; Rao, 1988; Murugavel and Akbarshah, 1991; Chatterjee et al, 1994; Raji and Bolarinwa, 1997; Madhusudan Reddy et al, 1997; Naseem et al, 1998; Purohit, 1999). Crotalaria juncea Linn. (Papilionaceae), commonly known as Sunn hemp, is used Indian Ayurvedic Medicine states where in its various parts have properties like analgesic, astringent, emmenagogue, abortifacient and also treatment of skin diseases. It is also mentioned that the seeds are known for various medicinal properties (Kirtikar and Basu, 1935; Wealth of India, 1952; Chopra et al, 1956). The seeds of this plant have been reported to possess antifertility activity (Chaudhury, 1966; Bala and Garg, 1973). The alcoholic extract of C. juncea seeds has shown antiimplantation Petroleum ether, benzene and ethanolic extracts of Crotalaria juncea Linn. seeds were administered intraperitoneally at the dose level of 25 mg/100 g body weight to albino male mice for 30 days. The results show decrease in the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in testis along with reduced caudal spermatozoa. Biochemical observations indicate increased level of cholesterol and significant reduction in protein and glycogen content. The increased cholesterol content along with degeneration of Leydig cells indicate inhibited steroidogenesis. The decrease in the weight of accessory reproductive organs further attributes lowered availability of androgens due likely to inhibited steroidogenesis. Out of three extracts tested, ethanolic extract seems to be more potent in antispermatogenic and antisteroidogenic activities. When ethanolic extract was tested in immature mice for androgenic activity, it showed its antiandrogenic potency as the weight of accessory sex organs were reduced.