Toxicological studies of Momordica charantia Linn Seed extracts in Male Mice

Abstract

An attempt to find out the male contraceptive molecule of plant origin, the extracts of seeds of Momordica charantia were tested in male mice. Petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanolic extracts of Momordica charantia were administered at the dose level of 25mg/100gm body weight to the albino mice for 48 days intraperitoneally. All the extracts showed antispermatogenic effect as the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were decreased. The increase in the weight of epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and vas deferens indicates clearly the androgenic property of these extracts. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening ethanol extract showed positive tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, oils and fats. Out of the three extracts tested, the ethanol extract seems to be more potent in its contraceptive and androgenic activities.