Mehwish David and Qurat ul Ain Mphil
Statement Background: Traditionally, herbal medicines have long been practiced worldwide to prevent different diseases for centuries. Hedera nepalensis is a genus of flowering plant used against diabetes, fever, pulmonary infections and rheumatism. It is also used as antifertility agent in men in different regions of the world. However, the knowledge about antifertility potential of the plant is unknown. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate effects of methanolic leaf extract of Hedera nepalensis K. Koch on reproductive system of male rats. Study design: For this, in vitro experimental approach was used to see direct effect of different concentrations of plant extract on testicular antioxidant status, testosterone secretion and sperm DNA integrity. In sub chronic experiment, rats were exposed to different doses of plant extract for twenty eight days. Methods: Fertility test, Sperm DNA integrity, biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxidase dismutase, peroxidase, ROS and TBARS) and plasma hormonal concentrations (testosterone, LH and FSH) were evaluated. In addition, histology of testicular and epididymal (caput and cauda) tissues was performed.
