Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Seeds on Reproductive System of Male Albino Rats

Aims: The present study was undertaken to assess the antispermatogenic and antifertility efficacy of ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-greacum seeds.

Methodology: Aqueous solution of the extract (250 mg/kg b.wt/day) when administered orally for 45 days to adult male albino rat (Duckray strain).

Results: Seeds extract caused inhibition of spermatogenesis as well as inability to mate with normal untreated female rats of proven fertility. There occurred a significant decrease in absolute and relative weights of testis and seminal vesicle and increase in epididymal weight, whereas of ventral prostate and coagulating gland remained unchanged. Sperm concentration and motility in the cauda epididymis was also decreased. Increased incidence of separation of head and tail pieces of spermatozoa was seen in the epididymal smear. Histologically, testis of experimental animals showed arrest of spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocytes stage and there was deposition of cellular debris in semineferous tubular lumen. The spermatids were not properly developed and interstitial cells were very sparse and degenerated. However, there was no evidence of damage to the spermatogonia. Oral treatment of extract did not affect the body weight of animals. Quantitative estimation of marker testicular enzymes, e.g., sorbitol dehydrogenase showed a significant decrease whereas lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly increased.

In conclusion: These results suggest that T. foenum-greacum, may induce male infertility in rats, therefore, should be considered further as a potential male antifertility agent.