Implication of reproductive endocrine malfunction in male antifertility efficacy of Azadirachta indica extract in rats.

The effects of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica stem bark on body and organ weights, sperm morphology, counts and viability, serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were studied in albino rats. Intraperitoneal administration (i.p) of the extract for ten weeks caused significant dose-dependent decreases in weights of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles but an increase in that of the adrenal gland. Sperm counts, morphology and viability were adversely affected in the extract treated rats. Rats that received 150 mgkg(-1) b.w. Azadirachta extract were unable to impregnate female rats throughout the duration of the study. However, these female rats conceived and sired physically normal litters about four weeks after cohabitation with untreated male rats. Azadirachta indica produced dose-dependent reduction in serum testosterone and LH but no change in FSH levels. Most of the changes produced in this study were restored in recovery experiments.