Abstract
Background: We have recently proved the interactions of piperine with androgen receptor and androgen
binding protein. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antifertility effect
of piperine on male albino rats after the treatment period i. e., after 60 days and
withdrawal period i. e., after 120 days.
Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups (n=12). Group I: Control: Rats were given
vehicle p.o i. e., 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) in normal saline daily for
60 days, Group II: Rats were treated with piperine suspended in 0.5% CMC at a dose
of 10 mg/kg daily/60 days. Group III: Rats were treated with piperine suspended in
0.5% CMC at a dose of 10 mg/kg on every 4th day for 60 days. Group IV: Rats were treated with piperine suspended in 0.5% CMC
at a dose of 10 mg/kg on every 7th day for 60 days.
Results: Piperine significantly altered the epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, weight
of the epididymis, cauda, caput, corpus and seminal vesicles. It also exhibited negative
impact on biochemical markers via decreasing epididymal sialic acid levels, seminal
fructose content, epididymal anti-oxidant enzyme activities of super oxide dismutase
(SOD), catalase (CAT) and by increasing the malondialdehyde content after the treatment
period. Histopathological observations also supported the above findings. All the
altered values were reinforced after the withdrawal period.
Conclusion: From the results of this study, we can conclude that piperine has the potential
to become a good lead for the reversible male oral contraceptive research.
Key words
piperine - reversible male oral contraceptive - anti-fertility activity - Withdrawal
period - Anti-oxidant enzymes - Sialic acid levels
