P-210: The Antifertility Effects of Cornus Mas in Adult Male Rats

Background: Fertility control is an issue of global and national public health concern. Though considerable progress has been made in the development of methods of contraception among females, progress and possibilities are still slow and limited. Therefore, there is a need to develop new contraceptive modalities for males. In this study the antifertility activities of Cornus mas were evaluated in male rats. Materials and Methods: In 40 male adult rats, weighing 180-210 g, the methanolic extract of Cornus mas was administered at four doses 400,200,100 and 50 mg/kg for 21 days. The control group received normal saline for the same duration. Animals were sacrificed and the testes were collected for histopathological studies. Results: Cornus mas treatment for 21 days caused appreciable alterations in histological appearance of the testes. There were various degrees of damage and lytic necrosis to the seminiferous tubules. Severe interstitial edema, hyperemia and dissociation of germinal epithelium were prominent. Intertubular multinucleated giant cells, also, were found. Histological changes were severe in the groups which received higher doses of Cornus mas extract. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that methanolic extract of Cornus mas in higher doses has antifertility properties.