Reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility activities of Mondia whitei L. in male albino rat.

Chronic administration of Mondia whitei L. root bark extract (400 mg/kg/day) for 55 days caused testicular lesions resulting in the cessation of spermatogenesis, degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides. The wet weight of the seminal vesicle increased, whereas the weights of testes, epididymides and ventral prostate were unchanged. The treatment also resulted in a partial antifertility effect, and an increase in the protein content of the testes and epididymides. The cholesterol contents of the testes were significantly elevated after 55 days, whereas testosterone and 17beta-oestradiol contents of the testes were unchanged. Serum protein was elevated but serum testosterone was unchanged. A recovery period resulted in normal spermatogenesis and fertility, suggesting reversible antispermatogenic and antifertility effects of the plant. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.