Antifertility Efficacy of Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica A.juss.) in Male Rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antifertility Efficacy of Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica A.juss.) in Male Rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Ashok Purohit
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antifertility Efficacy of Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica A.juss.) in Male Rats
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The contemporary search for natural dietary contraceptives has led to investigating the antifertility potential of various plant-based substances. Among these, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. juss), belonging to the Meliaceae family, has garnered attention due to its widespread medicinal use, with its bark containing numerous bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antifertility efficacy of a 50% ethanol extract of Neem bark when administered subcutaneously to male albino rats. The goal was to assess its effects on spermatogenesis and androgen levels, which could potentially contribute to the development of a male contraceptive derived from plant sources.
Reduction in Spermatogenesis and Androgen Levels
The results from the administration of Neem bark extract indicated a significant impact on male reproductive parameters. Treatment with the extract led to a marked reduction in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nuclei, as well as a decrease in the epithelial heights of the epididymides. Moreover, sperm motility and density were significantly decreased, alongside reductions in testicular protein, sialic acid, and fructose content in seminal vesicles. These changes suggest that the Neem bark extract negatively influences spermatogenesis and depletes androgen levels, potentially due to its inhibitory effects on key enzymes involved in cellular energy processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 50% ethanol extract of Neem bark demonstrated significant antifertility effects in male rats, primarily by affecting the function of Leydig cells responsible for androgen production. The observed decline in various reproductive parameters highlights the extract's potential as a natural contraceptive alternative. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects and to assess the feasibility of developing Neem bark derivatives for human male contraceptive use.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main purpose of the neem bark study?
The study aimed to assess the antifertility potential of neem bark extract in male albino rats, with the intention of developing a natural contraceptive for human males.
What dosage of neem bark extract was administered to the rats?
The rats received a subcutaneous treatment of 10 mg of 50% ethanol extract of neem bark for 30 days, with one control group receiving no treatment.
What significant effects did neem bark have on the rats?
Neem bark treatment resulted in reduced sperm motility, density, and significant reductions in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nuclei, indicating impaired spermatogenesis and androgen levels.
How did the research assess the biochemical effects of neem bark?
Biochemical analyses measured protein, sialic acid, and fructose levels, indicating a reduction in these substances in the testes and accessory sex organs of neem-treated rats, reflecting disrupted androgen function.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎ntifertility Efficacy of Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica A.juss.) in Male Rats鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Neem:
Neem refers to the tree known scientifically as Azadirachta indica, which is recognized for its medicinal properties and potential use in antifertility research. In this study, Neem bark extract was administered to male rats, revealing significant effects on spermatogenesis, thus demonstrating its relevance in reproductive health and natural contraceptive methods.
2) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica is the scientific name for the Neem tree. It is part of the Meliaceae family and is widely studied for its diverse medicinal properties, including antifertility effects. The research highlights the tree's bark as a source of a potent extract that impacts male reproductive health significantly.
3) Neem tree:
The Neem tree, or Azadirachta indica, is valued for its wide-ranging applications in traditional medicine. The study emphasizes its bark's extract and its effects on male fertility parameters, showcasing the tree's importance in biological and pharmacological contexts, particularly concerning its potential as a natural contraceptive agent.
4) Discussion:
The Discussion section provides an interpretation of the experimental findings related to Neem bark's antifertility effects in male rats. It analyzes the implications of reduced sperm motility, cellular damage, and hormonal imbalance, further emphasizing the need for ongoing research into natural contraceptive methods from plant sources like Neem.
5) Zoology:
Zoology, the scientific study of animals, contextualizes the research within the discipline that investigates reproductive physiology. This study was conducted in the Zoology department, reflecting the intersection of animal biology with pharmacology, as it explores the effects of neem extract on male rats' reproductive health and physiology.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of natural phenomena, emphasizing empirical and experimental methodologies. This research exemplifies scientific inquiry by conducting experiments on neem bark's effects, contributing to the broader fields of reproductive biology and pharmacology, and demonstrating the potential for natural substances in contraceptive development.
7) Bitter:
Bitter denotes a taste sensation often associated with certain plant compounds. The inclusion of the term 'bitter principles' in the research highlights the chemical profile of Neem bark, indicating that its bioactive components may have physiological effects. This suggests that the bitter compounds could influence reproductive functions.
8) Water:
Water is essential for life and serves as a universal solvent in biological systems. In the context of this study, the rats were maintained on water ad libitum, indicating that hydration is a critical component in ensuring the validity of experimental results, particularly affecting physiological and metabolic responses.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Antifertility Efficacy of Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica A.juss.) in Male Rats鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sperm motility, Biochemical analysis, Ancient Science of life, Oxidative phosphorylation, Contraceptive efficacy, Sialic acid, Antifertility efficacy, Fertility test, Neem bark, Meliaceae family, Sperm Density, Male rat.