1PhD Scholar, Department of Zoology, NIMS Institute of Allied Medical Science and Technology, NIMS University, Rajasthan Jaipur
2*Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, NIMS Institute of Allied Medical Science and Technology, NIMS University, Rajasthan Jaipur
The search for safe, effective, and reversible male contraceptives remains a global research priority, particularly as current options are limited to condoms and vasectomy, both with inherent drawbacks. Plant-derived agents offer promising alternatives due to their ethnomedicinal roots, lower side-effect profiles, and potential reversibility. The present study evaluates the antifertility potential of Acacia arabica bark, traditionally used in reproductive disorders, by examining its effects on the hormonal profile and biochemical parameters of male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). A 50% methanolic bark extract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction and administered orally to rats at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight for 60 consecutive days, covering a complete spermatogenic cycle. Serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, prolactin, corticosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were quantified alongside liver and kidney function tests (LFTs and KFTs).
Results demonstrated a distinct dose-dependent suppression of key reproductive hormones. Testosterone decreased from 4.57 ng/mL in controls to 3.8 ng/mL in the high-dose group, accompanied by significant reductions in LH, FSH, and estradiol. Prolactin showed a mild decline, while corticosterone fluctuated, peaking at 200 mg/kg before dropping at 300 mg/kg. TSH remained stable, suggesting no thyroidal involvement. Importantly, LFTs and KFTs revealed no overt hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity; rather, enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP) and nitrogenous waste products (BUN, creatinine, uric acid) decreased dose-dependently, indicating mild protective effects.
The findings suggest that A. arabica extract modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, suppressing reproductive hormones without compromising liver or kidney integrity. These results provide mechanistic validation for traditional claims of antifertility activity and highlight A. arabica as a promising candidate for developing plant-based male contraceptives. Further research is warranted to assess long-term reversibility and molecular mechanisms.
Keywords: Acacia arabica, male contraception, antifertility, testosterone suppression, reproductive hormones, Wistar rats, phytomedicine.
How to cite this article: Qureshi A, Singh S. Assessment of Hormonal Profile in Male Rats Treated with 50% Methanolic Extract of Acacia Arabica. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 53-61. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.7
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None