Buchholzia coriacea seed induce antifertility by interfering with steroidogenic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in rat testis.

Buchholzia coriacea has been reported to possess antifertility activities but little is known of the mechanisms responsible. This study was therefore designed to examine the mechanism responsible for the action of Buchholzia coriacea. Eighteen male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for this study. They were grouped into 3 (n = 6) namely, Control, Methanolic fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (MFBC) 50 mg/kg, and MFBC 100 mg/kg administered orally with respective dosage. After 6 weeks of administration, rats were euthanized, serum collected, while testes, epididymis and prostate were excised and homogenized. Testicular protein and testosterone, aromatase and 5α-reductase enzyme, 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-10 and Prostatic specific enzyme antigen (PSA) were assessed and data analyzed with ANOVA. There were significant increases in 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD levels in the MFBC 50 mg/kg with corresponding decreases in MFBC 100 mg/kg when compared to control. IL-1 was decreased in both doses while IL-10 increased in both doses compared to control. 5-α reductase enzyme was significantly decreased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg relative to the control. Testicular protein, testosterone and aromatase enzyme were not significantly different at both doses compared to control. PSA was significantly increased in the MFBC 100 mg/kg but not the 50 mg/kg relative to control. MFBC exhibits antifertility properties by interfering with testicular enzymes and inflammatory cytokines.