Contraceptive Potential of Terminalia Chebula : A Part from the Book Chapter : Harad (Terminalia chebula Retz.): A Potential Candidate for Reversible Contraception in Male

Terminalia chebula (T. chebula; Image 1 A-E) Retz. (Family: Combretaeceae) carries several local names such as Black Myroblans (English), Haritaki (Sanskrit and Bengali), Harad (Hindi) etc., and has been studied extensively for a variety of biological properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic  activities. In addition, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, cytoprotective, radioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects of T. chebula have also been reported. Despite such a vast variety of biological actions, the available literature on Harad lacks information regarding the effect of this plant on the reproductive organs in males except a few, and those from our laboratory in initial studies. Because of the above, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the contraceptive potential of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Harad) with respect to dose and reversibility in male albino mice.

Author(s) Details:

Prakash Chandra Gupta

Department of Zoology, Keshav Prasad Mishra Rajkiya Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Bhadohi-221 301
(Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith), Varanasi, India.

Laxmi Yadav

Department of Zoology, Keshav Prasad Mishra Rajkiya Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Bhadohi-221 301 (Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith), Varanasi, India.


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Recent Global Research Developments in Terminalia chebula (Harad) Contraceptive Potential in Male Mice

Recent research has shown promising results regarding the contraceptive potential of Terminalia chebula (Harad) in male albino mice. Here are some key findings:

Study Design: The aqueous bark extract of Harad was administered orally to male albino mice at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg body weight for 35 days [1].

Effects on Reproductive Organs: The treatment caused dose-related histological alterations in the reproductive organs, including reductions in the weights of these organs, a decrease in the height of the germinal epithelium, and an increase in the percentage of affected seminiferous tubules.

Biochemical and Sperm Parameters: Harad treatment adversely affected biochemical and sperm parameters. However, libido was not affected, but fertility was significantly suppressed in treated males compared to controls [1].

Reversibility: Importantly, 42 days after treatment withdrawal, the alterations in reproductive endpoints and fertility recovered to control levels.

Toxicity: The study found no significant changes in body and organ weights, histoarchitecture of vital organs, levels of ALT, AST, and creatinine, and hematological parameters, indicating no toxicity.

These findings suggest that Harad could be a potential candidate for reversible male contraception without significant toxicity.

References

  1. Gupta, P. C. (2017). Reversible contraceptive potential of harad in male albino mice. Int. J. Pharm. Pharmaceut. Sci, 9, 288-296.

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