Comprehensive Assessment of Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants as Male Contraceptive: A Quest for Novel Herbal Contraceptives

Abstract

Background: Population explosion is worldwide problem that possess significant threat to quality of life. The only solution to this problem is availability of suitable contraceptive. Number of medicinal plants at global level has been explored in this regard. Several studies have been carried out to explore the antifertility effect of medicinal plants in male animal models. Some of these plants are recognized for their spermicidal activities, anti-spermatogenic effects, reduce sperm count, affect the mobility and viability of sperms, change testicular morphology, cause alterations in serum testosterone level and some alter antioxidant defense mechanism. More than fifty plants had been reported to possess anti-fertility agents with anti-spermatogenetic, anti-androgenic or sperm immobilization activities. Research for the development of male contraceptives is important for the equitability of male and female in birth control program thus sorting the issue of population growth. Objectives: Current study was designed for the comprehensive assessment of contraceptive efficacy of novel herbal plants traditionally used in male fertility regulation. The objectives of the study include:  Comparative analysis of biological activities of four selected medicinal plants.  Biological evaluation of designated methanolic leaf extracts of medicinal plants.  To determine the male contraceptive potential of selected medicinal plants using in vitro technique to target the process of androgenesis and oxidative stress in testis.  To evaluate the efficacy of selected medicinal plants in vivo to inhibit spermatogenesis or disrupt epididymal and testicular function, the perturbation of which results in reversible infertility.  To analyze the processes of sperm production, its maturation and function with the aim of regulating or inhibiting specific targets that is involved in reducing the male fertility.  To study the possible effect of medicinal plants on hypothalamus- pituitary- testicular axis (HPT) by determining plasma Testosterone, Luteinizing hormone and Follicle stimulating hormone concentrations