The reversible antifertility effect of Piper betle Linn. on Swiss albino male mice.

To study the antifertility effect of an extract (alcoholic) of the leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn., one set of experiments with two different doses in Swiss male albino mice were evaluated. Initially, 500 mg of the leaf-stalk extractive for 30 days and then 1000 mg for next 30 days/animal/day/kg body weight were administered orally. The extract reduced fertility to 0% within 60 days. Suppression of cauda epididymal sperm count and motility (p <0.05) was observed. Biochemical parameters did not show any marked alterations in testosterone content in serum nor 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activity in testes although fructose content in seminal vesicles was reduced as are the weights of reproductive organs. The cholesterol content in testes increased, although not appreciably. After cessation of drug (plant extract) treatment, the altered parameters recovered. Results suggest that the contraceptive effect of the extract of leaf-stalk of Piper betle Linn. is mainly on the maturation process of spermatozoa in epididymides without influencing hystemic hormonal profiles. Withdrawal of the extract restored all altered parameters including organ weights and fertility after 60 days.