Antifertility effects of crude ethanol extracts ofTripterygium hypoglaucum(Levl.) Hutch in male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Abstract

To evaluate the antifertility effects of crude ethanol extracts of Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch in Mongolian gerbils. Crude ethanol extracts of T. hypoglaucum root (ETH R ) was administrated orally at a dose of 160 mg/kg for 30 days. Sperm density, sperm motility levels and the percentage of misshapen sperm in the cauda epididymides were assessed. The fertility rate of mated female gerbils was calculated. The results indicate that ETH R has an effect in Mongolian gerbils. Oral administration of ETH R caused an increase of the percentage of misshapen sperm significantly. Testis and epididymis weights, the sperm density and motility were significantly reduced. Compared to the control group, there was a distinct reduction in the number of litters produced, and the average number of pups per male decreased from 3.4 to 0.87. Reversibility tests showed that testis and epididymis weights, sperm indices, and fertility started to gradually recover after 30-days cessation of medication. The ETH R brought a significant decrease in birth rate of Mongolian gerbils.

Potential of triptolide in reproductive management of the house rat,Rattus rattus

“…The same decreased to 10.8 and 26.2%, respectively, after 42 days, while a complete loss was observed after 84 days of treatment. Gradual recovery in values of sperm motility and density was observed after 30 days of cessation of treatment with extracts of T. hypoglaucum at 160 mg/kg bw for 30 days (Deng et al 2011). From the present study it can be concluded that the higher the dose and duration of exposure to triptolide, the greater the effect on sperm per testis function.…”

“…Lue et al (1998) also did not observe any significant differences in mean weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate among untreated rats and rats administered 50 and 100 µg/kg bw/day of triptolide orally for 35 and 70 days. Deng et al (2011), however, reported a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weights of Mongolian gerbils administered 160 mg/kg bw of T. hypoglaucum extract for 30 days compared to the control group. A gradual recovery in weights of these organs was observed at 30 days after cessation of medication.…”

“…Triptolide, one of its major compounds, was identified as most promising for causing infertility in male laboratory rats and mice (Dai et al1994;Lue et al 1998;Huynh et al 2000;Sinha Hikim et al 2000;Ni et al 2008). Xu and Zhao (2010) and Liu et al (2011) also report adverse effect of triptolide on reproductive parameters of female laboratory rats and Deng et al (2011) study the antifertility effect of extracts of T. hypoglaucum administered orally to Mongolian gerbils. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of triptolide on the function of the testis of R. rattus when fed in a bait form.…”

Histomorphological and biochemical changes induced by triptolide treatment in male lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis

“…Most of the antifertility effects of triptolide have been evaluated against laboratory rats and mice [16][17][18][19] keeping in view the development of a human contraceptive. Studies were made on the antifertility potential of oral doses of extracts of Tripterygium hypoglaucum containing triptolide against Mongolian gerbils keeping in view their management [20]. However, for field scale use of an antifertility agent, it is required to be fed in bait form.…”

Effect of triptolide on reproduction of female lesser bandicoot rat,Bandicota bengalensis

“…Long term feeding of triptolide results in glutathione depletion, a decrease of microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity or both. Deng et al (2011) observed a gradual recovery in effects of Tripterygium hypoglaucum extract (containing triptolide) in Mongolian gerbils 30 days after cessation of medication.…”