Herbal Antifertility Agents in Rodent Models
Summary
Herbal antifertility agents encompass a diverse array of plant‐derived compounds that modulate reproductive function in rodents. These agents may act at multiple levels of the reproductive axis, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal circuit, gametogenesis, hormonal balance and endometrial receptivity. In male rodents, active phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids have been shown to impair spermatogenesis, reduce sperm motility and induce testicular histopathological changes. In females, oestrogenic modulation and disruption of the oestrous cycle can delay or prevent ovulation, while anti-implantation effects hinder embryo attachment to the uterine lining. Standardisation of crude extracts and isolation of bioactive constituents remain central challenges, alongside the requirement for rigorous safety and reversibility assessments. Rodent models provide a controlled experimental framework to elucidate mechanisms of action, dose–response relationships and the potential for fertility restoration. These investigations carry global significance for the development of novel, non-hormonal contraceptives that may offer improved reversibility and reduced side effects compared with synthetic alternatives. Ongoing efforts aim to integrate ethnobotanical knowledge with modern pharmacology, aligning traditional practices with contemporary drug development.
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Herbal Antifertility Agents in Rodent Models publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in herbal antifertility agents in rodent models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Antifertility agent: A substance that reduces or prevents the ability to conceive or reproduce.
Oestrous cycle: The recurring reproductive cycle in female rodents marked by hormonal and physiological changes leading to ovulation.
Spermatogenesis: The process by which sperm cells are produced in the testes.
Implantation: The attachment and embedding of a fertilised embryo into the uterine lining.
Phytoconstituent: A bioactive chemical compound naturally occurring in plants.
References
- Estrogenic Effects of Tapak Dara (Catharantus roseus) Leaf Methanol Extract on The Estrus Cycle of Adult Female Mice (Mus musculus) Balb/C Strain. Jurnal Biologi Tropis (2022).
- Evaluation of the Antifertility Effect and Toxicity of Areca nut as Oral Contraceptive: Study on Male Rats. Jurnal Kedokteran Brawijaya (2022).
- Fertility and teratogenic study of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in female Sprague Dawley rats. Food Research (2024).
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