Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pongamia pinnata Methanolic Extract and Their Antifertility Impact on Male Rats: A TEM Study.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical methods. The present study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic leaf extract of Pongamia pinnata and investigates their potential antifertility effects in male Wistar rats. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, confirming their nanoscale size, crystalline nature, and the presence of bio-functional groups responsible for stabilization and reduction. Male rats were orally administered AgNPs for 60 days, and testicular tissue was subsequently examined for ultrastructural changes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and histological analysis of the epididymis using a light microscope. TEM analysis revealed significant alterations in the seminiferous tubules, including disorganized germinal epithelium, vacuolization, and mitochondrial damage, indicating impaired spermatogenesis. Additionally, biochemical analysis of the reproductive tissues showed a marked decrease in total protein content compared to control groups, suggesting disruption of normal cellular metabolism and structural protein synthesis. These findings highlight the possible antifertility effects of biosynthesized AgNPs, mediated through oxidative stress and protein degradation pathways. This study underscores the dual role of Pongamia pinnata-mediated AgNPs in nanomedicine and reproductive toxicology, providing insights into their biological impact and potential use in male contraception research.