Effects of Cleistanthus collinus on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: Plants are widely used in the traditional system of medicine and many of them can adversely affect the reproductive system. Cleistanthus collinus is a plant containing many active phytochemicals, which have the potential to be developed as a drug. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of C. collinus on the male reproductive system. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated with different doses of C. collinus (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally), or with saline for 28 days and its effect on the reproductive system was assessed. Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, weekly, i.p), a well-known reproductive toxicant, was used as a positive control. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in sperm count and motility with C. collinus treatment, along with the destruction of primary spermatocytes, spermatids and reduced thickness of the basal layer. The LH, FSH and testosterone levels were reduced significantly. A reduction in the area of seminiferous tubules indicates the destruction of germ cells and Sertoli cells. C. collinus treatment increased the oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde levels along with a reduction in catalase and GSH activities. The expression of BAX, BCL-2 and p53 was observed in spermatocytes, indicating an increase in apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: C. collinus can produce male reproductive toxicity, which may be mediated through alterations in hormonal levels, which in turn interferes with spermatogenesis. It may increase the expression of apoptotic factors and deplete protective antioxidant enzymes in the testis.