Antispermatogenic and androgenic activities of various extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinesis in albino mice

Abstract

The benzene, chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the flowers of H.r. sinensis were administered (ip) at two different dose levels of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight to adult male albino mice for 20 days. The results have shown decrease in the spermatogenic elements of testis and epididymal sperm count. High content of testicular cholesterol may be due to lowered androgen synthesis. The increase in the weight of accessory reproductive organs indicates the androgenicity of the plant extract itself, which is proved in the present study by testing the benzene extract in immature mice.