Antifertility activity of methanolic bark extract of Aegle marmelos (l.) in male wistar rats

Methanolic extract causes a dose & duration dependent infertility via reducing reproductive organ weight and serum testosterone levels. Sperm analysis results showed reduction in sperm density, motility, viability and sperm acrosomal integrity without interfering libido and vital organ body weight. Histopathological studies of testes revealed exfoliation of elongated spermatids, nuclear chromatin condensation, degeneration and prominent spaces detected within the germinal epithelium signifying testicular cytotoxicity and necrosis. Time dependent complete infertility was observed in all dose levels. Animals after the withdrawal from treatment, for 30 days showed restoration of the morphological as well as physiological parameters in extract treated rats. Methanolic extract showed lipid lowering activity compared to control, suggestive good candidature of this plant for further studies.Our studies suggested Aegle marmelos barks methanolic extract as strong candidate for male contraceptive via its ability to produce complete inhibition of pregnancy, rapid restoration of fertility after withdrawal from treatment and its lipid correcting ability proving further beneficial effects.Higher use of contraceptive methods is a direct indicator of health, population, development and women's empowerment. It also serves as a proxy measure to access the reproductive health services that are essential for meeting many of the millennium development goals, especially for those concerned with child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and gender equality [1]. The female contraceptive methods were always on higher priority and men willing to share in the responsibilities of family planning have fewer options of contraceptions which are effective, reversible, non irritating and highly expectable. A survey conducted by WHO showed that 61% of the males using contraceptive were motivated by problems of the female partner, including 35% who had experienced a contraceptive failure, or by the