Effect of Methanolic Extract of Mucuna Pruriens on Hormonal Modulation and Sperm Parameters in Male Rats

Abstract

Objective: Studies on hormonal changes is an effective method for assessing infertility conditions. A widely used pesticide 1, 2 Dibromo 3 Chloropropane (DBCP) causes infertility by damaging testis in humans. This in turn disturbs Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), sex steroid hormone levels. The seed extract of <em>Mucuna pruriens</em> (<em>M. pruriens</em>) is well known antioxidant and is expected to improve the sperm quality after exposure to DBCP.

Method: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four Groups. Group I – Control received 0.9% saline, Group II – single dose of 50mg/kg 1, 2-Dibromo 3 Chloro Propane (DBCP)dissolved in Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (1ml) was administered for 30 days, Group III – Methanolic extract of <em>Mucuna pruriens</em> (200mg/kg body weight) was administered for 45 days after 50mg/kg of 1,2 dibromo 3 chloropropane (DBCP) treatment (30 days).Group IV – 200mg/kg/day BW methanolic extract of <em>M. pruriens</em> for 45 days.

Results:The body, testis, and epididymis weights of all the rats were taken. DBCP induced group II toxicity bearing animals were significantly decreased when compared to group I control animals. In group II DBCP-induced toxicity rats, there was a reduction in sperm morphology, concentration, and motility as well as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. DBCP-induced group II toxicity-bearing animals' above-mentioned parameters improved after treatment with <em>Mucuna pruriens</em> seed extract.

Conclusion: The administration of <em>M. pruriens</em>seed extract improves sperm quality and Hormone levels in the DBCP exposed group III rats.