Antifertility Activity of Β-sitosterol Isolated from Barleria Prionitis (l.) Roots in Male Albino Rats

Objective: Plant–derived male antifertility agents need to address the basic requirements of fertility suppression without affecting libido. This study was undertaken to evaluate the male antifertility potential of the β-sitosterol (BS) which is an active component isolated from the methanolic root extract of Barleria prionitis in the male albino rats. Methods: β-sitosterol was extracted using silica gel column chromatography from the methanolic root extract of Barleria prionitis and characterized by IR and NMR spectral analysis. Extracted BS was further used to determine its antifertility activity. The rats were orally administered olive oil (Group-I, control), BS at the dose level of 5 (Group II), 15 (Group III) and 25 mg/kg body weight (Group IV) for 60 d. Body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the experimental duration, treated males were sacrificed and subjected to biochemical, hormonal and sperm analysis. Fertility was assessed by mating treated rats with normally cycling virgin females. Results: Average weight of reproductive organs, serum levels of Testosterone, Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH), levels of Protein, Ascorbic acid, Glycogen, Fructose, sperm motility and sperm density was decreased significantly as compared to control group. While, Cholesterol level was increased significantly. Fertility percentage was also decreased in treated groups. Body weight remained unchanged. Conclusion: The results show that β-sitosterol from the roots of Barleria prionitis causes suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility thereby suggesting the potential of β-sitosterol for the development of male contraceptive which has very limited options available.