International Journal of
Reproductive Biomedicine
Sat, Apr 20, 2024
[Archive]
Volume 9, Issue 3 (7-2011)
IJRM 2011, 9(3): 177-186 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Ahmed M, Ahamed R N, Aladakatti R H, Ghodesawar M A G. Effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on cauda epididymal spermatozoa of rats. IJRM 2011; 9 (3) :177-186
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-234-en.html
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-234-en.html
1- Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580003, India
2- Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580003, India , ravindranath@caf.iisc.ernet.in
2- Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580003, India , ravindranath@caf.iisc.ernet.in
Abstract: (2660 Views)
Background: Recent studies have shown that benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) leaves induces the ultrastructural changes in the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis, its subsequent recovery in the seminiferous epithelium and fertility of male albino rats.
Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effect of benzene extract of O.sanctum leaves on the cauda epididymal sperm parameters, morphology and their organelles at the ultrastructural level in albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Wistar male rats (n=20) were allocated into two groups of control (n=10) and test group (n=10). The test group received benzene extract of O.sanctum leaves (250mg/kg/day) for 48 consequence days. Five animals from each group were used for fertility test. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the rest of the control (n=5) and treated (n=5) animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and then the cauda epididymal plasma was used for sperm analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies.
Results: Sperm analysis of test group exhibited significant (p≤0.001) decrease in the sperm count, motility, speed and increase in sperm anomalies when compare to control group. SEM and TEM observation in treated animals indicated the morphological changes in plasma membrane as well as in the acrosomal membrane of spermatozoa, formation of a balloon-like cytoplasmic droplet in the mid-region of abnormal tail and disorganization or degeneration of mitochondria of sperm mitochondrial sheaths.
Conclusion: The effects observed in this study may have resulted from a general alteration in the cauda epididymal milieu, probably due to androgen deficiency consequent to the anti-androgenic property of O.sanctum leaves.
Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effect of benzene extract of O.sanctum leaves on the cauda epididymal sperm parameters, morphology and their organelles at the ultrastructural level in albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Wistar male rats (n=20) were allocated into two groups of control (n=10) and test group (n=10). The test group received benzene extract of O.sanctum leaves (250mg/kg/day) for 48 consequence days. Five animals from each group were used for fertility test. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the rest of the control (n=5) and treated (n=5) animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and then the cauda epididymal plasma was used for sperm analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies.
Results: Sperm analysis of test group exhibited significant (p≤0.001) decrease in the sperm count, motility, speed and increase in sperm anomalies when compare to control group. SEM and TEM observation in treated animals indicated the morphological changes in plasma membrane as well as in the acrosomal membrane of spermatozoa, formation of a balloon-like cytoplasmic droplet in the mid-region of abnormal tail and disorganization or degeneration of mitochondria of sperm mitochondrial sheaths.
Conclusion: The effects observed in this study may have resulted from a general alteration in the cauda epididymal milieu, probably due to androgen deficiency consequent to the anti-androgenic property of O.sanctum leaves.
Type of Study: Original Article |
References
1. Akbarsha MA, Averal HI. Epididymis as a target organ for the toxic effect of vincristine: light microscopic changes in the epididymis epithelial cell types. Biomedical Letters 1996; 54: 133-146.
2. Girini MM, Ahamed RN, Aladakatti RH. Effect of graded doses of Momordica charantia seed extract on rat sperm: scanning electron microscope study. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2005; 16: 53-66. [DOI:10.1515/JBCPP.2005.16.1.53]
3. Aladakatti RH, Ahamed RN. Ultrastructural changes in Leydig cell and cauda epididymal spermatozoa induced by Azadirachta indica leaves in albino rats. Phytother Res 2005; 19: 756-766. [DOI:10.1002/ptr.1710]
4. Lohiya NK, Manivannan B, Garg S. Toxicological investigations on the methanol sub-fraction of the seeds of Carica papaya as a male contraceptive in albino rats. Reprod Toxicol 2006; 22: 461-468. [DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2006.01.002]
5. Gupta RS, Kachhawa JB. Evaluation of contraceptive activity of methanol extract of Dendrophthoe falcata stem in male albino rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2007; 112: 215-218. [DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2007.02.022]
6. Chauhan A, Agarwal M. Reversible changes in the antifertility induced by Aegle marmelos in male albino rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2008; 54: 240-246. [DOI:10.1080/19396360802516856]
7. Kumar S, Biswas S, Mandal D, Roy HN, Chakraborty S, Kabir SN, et al. Chenopodium album seed extract: a potent sperm-immobilizing agent both in vitro and in vivo. Contraception 2007; 75: 71-78. [DOI:10.1016/j.contraception.2006.07.015]
8. Dixit VP. Plant products/non-steroidal compounds affecting fertility in the Indian desert gerbil, Meriones hurrianae Jerdon. In: Prakash I, Ghosh PK. Rodents in Indian Agriculture. 1st Ed. Jodhpur India; Scientific Publishers; 1992: 595-604.
9. Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Handa KL, Kapoor LD. Indigenous drugs of India. UN Dhar, Pvt. Ltd.; Calcutta; 1993.
10. Ocimum sanctum. The Indian home remedy. In: Current Medical Scene, March-April 1992 (Edited and published by S. Rajeshwari, Cipla Ltd., Bombay Central, Bombay).
11. Gupta SK, Prakash J, Srivastava S. Validation of claim of Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum Linn as a medicinal plant. Indian J Exp Biol 2002; 40: 765–773.
12. Ahmed M, Ahamed RN, Aladakatti RH, Ghosesawar MG. Reversible anti-fertility effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on sperm parameters and fructose content in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2002; 13: 51-59. [DOI:10.1515/JBCPP.2002.13.1.51]
13. Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1986; 24: 302-304.
14. Kantak NM, Gogate MG. Effect of short term administration of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) on reproductive behaviour of adult male rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1992; 36: 109-111.
15. Sardessai SR, Borker AS, Abraham ME. Effects of short term administration of Tulsi leaves on sexual behaviour in female rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1999; 43: 398-400.
16. Ahmed M, Aladakatti RH, Deepthi KR, Nazeer Ahamed R. Reversible histoarchitecture study of testis and cauda epididymis and changes in cauda epididymal epithelial cell types on treatment with benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves in albino rats. Oriental Pharm Exp Med 2008; 8: 111-124. [DOI:10.3742/OPEM.2008.8.2.111]
17. Ahmed M, Nazeer Ahamed R, Aladakatti RH. Effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on cauda epididymis of albino rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2009; 20: 29-41. [DOI:10.1515/JBCPP.2009.20.1.29]
18. Mukhtar Ahmed, Nazeer Ahamed R, Aladakatti RH Ghodesawar MG. Dose dependent effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on cauda epididymal spermatozoa of albino rats. Oriental Pharm Exp Med 2009; 9: 339-349. [DOI:10.3742/OPEM.2009.9.4.339]
19. WHO Protocol, LG-06. Extraction and fractionation for biological and phytochemical studies. A.P.J.F/I.P, A; 1983: 1001-1083.
20. Besley MA, Eliarson R, Gallegos AJ, Moghissi KS, Paulsen CA, Prasad M RN. Laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and semen cervical mucus interaction. WHO Press concern; Singapore; 1980.
21. Ratnasooriya WD. Effect of Atropine on fertility of female rat and sperm motility. Indian J Exp Boil 1984; 22: 463-466.
22. Bauer JD, Ackermen PG, Toro G. Clinical Laboratory Methods. C.V. Mosty co.; St. Louis; 1974.
23. Aladakatti RH, Ahamed RN. Effect of Azadirachta indica leaves on rat spermatozoa. Indian J Exp Biol 1999; 37: 1251-1254.
24. Reynolds ES. The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 1963; 17: 208-212. [DOI:10.1083/jcb.17.1.208]
25. Ostle B. Statistics in Research: Basic Concepts and Techniques for Research Workers. 4thEd. Ames; Iowa State University Press; 1988; 664.
26. Cooper TG. Epididymis. In: Neill JD, Knobil E, eds. Encyclopedia of reproduction 2nd Ed. San Diego; Academic Press; 1998: 1–17.
27. Kirchhoff C. Molecular aspects of epididymal function and sperm maturation. In: Waites GMH, Frick J, Baker GWH, eds. Current advances in andrology. Bologna Italy; Monduzzi; 1997: 253–259.
28. de Mello FB, Jacobus D, de Carvalho KC, de Mello JR. Effects of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) on rat fertility. Vet. Hum Toxicol 2003; 45: 20-23.
29. Khouri NA, El-Akawi Z. Antiandrogenic activity of Ruta graveolens L in male Albino rats with emphasis on sexual and aggressive behavior. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2005; 26: 823-829.
30. El-Dwairi QA, Banihani SM. Histo-functional effects of Peganum harmala on male rat's spermatogenesis and fertility. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2007; 28: 305-310.
31. El-Ashmawy IM, Saleh A, Salama OM. Effects of marjoram volatile oil and grape seed extract on ethanol toxicity in male rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2007; 101: 320-327. [DOI:10.1111/j.1742-7835.2007.00125.x]
32. Chinoy NJ, D'Souza JM, Padman P. Contraceptive efficacy of Carica papya seed extract in male mice (Mus musculus). Phytothera Res 1995; 9: 30-36. [DOI:10.1002/ptr.2650090108]
33. Rao MV, Roy GK. Biochemical and morphological changes of spermatozoa in progestin and androgen injected rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1993; 31: 12-15.
34. Aladakatti RH, Nazeer Ahamed R, Ahmed M, Ghodesawar MG. Sperm parameters changes induced by Azadirachta indica in albino rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2001; 12: 69-77. [DOI:10.1515/JBCPP.2001.12.1.69]
35. Morton DB. Acrosomal enzymes: Immunochemical localization of acrosin and hyaluronidase in ram spermatozoa. J Reprod Fertil 1975; 45: 375-378. [DOI:10.1530/jrf.0.0450375]
36. Breed WG. Sperm head structure in the hydromyinae (Rodentia: Muridae): A further evolutionary development of the subacrosomal space in mammals. Gamete Res 1984; 10: 31-34. [DOI:10.1002/mrd.1120100105]
37. Fawcett DW. The mammalian spermatozoon. Dev Biol 1975; 44: 394-436. [DOI:10.1016/0012-1606(75)90411-X]
38. Baltz JM, Williams PO, Cone RA. Dense fibres protect mammalian sperm against damage. Biol Reprod 1990; 43: 485-491. [DOI:10.1095/biolreprod43.3.485]
39. Rao MV. Effect of alcoholic extract of Solanum xanthocarpum seeds in adult male rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1988; 26: 95-98.
40. Delgado NM, Sánchez-Vázquez ML, Hernández O, Reyes R. Correlation between sperm membrane destabilization by heparin and aniline blue staining as membrane integrity index. Arch Androl 1998; 40:147-152. [DOI:10.3109/01485019808987937]
41. Hikim AP, Lue YH, Wang C, Reutrakul V, Sangsuwan, R, Swerdloff RS. Post testicular antifertility action of triptolide in the male rat: evidence for severe impairment of cauda epididymal sperm ultrastructure. J Androl 2000; 21: 431–437.
42. Lohiya NK, Manivannan B, Mishra PK, Pathak N, Sriram S, Bhande SS, et al. Chloroform extract of Carica papaya seeds induces long-term reversible azoospermia in langur monkey. Asian J Androl 2002; 4: 17–26.
43. Faisal K, Periasamy VS, Sahabudeen S, Radha A, Anandhi R, Akbarsha MA. Spermatotoxic effect of aflatoxin B1 in rat: extrusion of outer dense fibres and associated axonemal microtubule doublets of sperm flagellum. Reproduction 2008; 135: 303–310. [DOI:10.1530/REP-07-0367]
44. Cummins JM. The effect of artificial cryptorchidism in the rabbit on the transport and survival of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. J Reprod Fertil 1973; 33: 469-479. [DOI:10.1530/jrf.0.0330469]
45. Bedford JM. Adaptations of male reproductive tract and the fate of spermatozoa following vasectomy in the rabbit, rhesus monkey, hamster and rat. Biol Reprod 1976; 14: 118-142. [DOI:10.1095/biolreprod14.2.118]
46. Agnes VF, Akbarsha MA. Spermatotoxic effect of aflatoxin B (1) in the albino mouse. Food Chem Toxicol 2003; 41: 119–130. [DOI:10.1016/S0278-6915(02)00171-0]
47. Hermo L, Dworkin J, Oko R. Role of epithelial clear cells of the rat epididymis in the disposal of the contents of cytoplasmic droplets detached from spermatozoa. Am J Anat 1988; 183: 107- 124. [DOI:10.1002/aja.1001830202]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
