Reproductive Toxicology

Andrographis paniculata (AP) has selected to be developed as an anti-diabetic herbal extract. However, the adverse effect of AP on male reproductive function is still unknown. The present study aims to look at the effects of 50% AP ethanolic extract (APE) on the male Sprague Dawley rats’ reproductive functions and to see whether it has anti-fertility effects. Four important endpoints were observed i.e. male reproductive performance (MRP), male sexual behavior (MSB), histological toxicity evaluation of male reproductive organs and hormonal level. Sixty adult male rats aged 8-10 weeks were used in this study. Five groups were administered with APE at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg for not less than 77 days by oral gavaging. MRP remained unaffected and no toxicity effects were observed. The treatment of APE of up to 1000mg/kg neither induce any significant changes in sexual behavioral parameters nor changes of body, reproductive organs and other internal organs weights. APE treatment effect showed no anti-fertility or toxic effects to male reproductive functions. APE seems, therefore, to be safe for rats.