Effect of Curcuma comosa extract on male fertility in rats

Abstract

We investigated the effect of a hexane extract of Curcuma comosa Roxb., previously reported to mediate estrogenic activity, on fertility in adult male rats. Intragastric administration of the C. comosa extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days significantly decreased weights of testes, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles. The decreased testicular weight corresponded with a marked regression of spermatogonia and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. Biochemical analysis revealed significantly decreased activity of acid phosphatase in the ventral prostate. The activity of a α-glucosidase in the cauda epididymides, and the fructose content in coagulating glands, were not significantly affected. Sperm concentration and motility in the cauda epididymides were also significantly suppressed. However, this 7-day treatment did not significantly affect fertility of the animals. Alterations by C. comosa extract were similar to effects mediated by estradiol. This suggests that the suppressing effect of C. comosa on male reproductive organs is mediated through the estrogenic-like action of the plant extract.