Impact of Carica papaya Linn. Seed Extract on Reproductive Metabolic Profiles in Male Albino Rat

Abstract

The effect of Carica papaya Linn. (Paw-paw) seed extract on protein and carbohydrate metabolism of albino rat was studied. Administration of papaya seed extract (50mg/kg body wt/day for 20 days) to Wistar male rat through oral route affected total proteins, free amino acids and nucleic acids. The protein content of testis and sex accessory glands decreased, accompanied by accumulation of proteins in epididymis and no significant changes in liver, indicating reduced protein metabolism, particularly in testes. Due to accumulation of proteins in the epididymis, the sperm arriving at the epididymis did not undergo proper maturational changes, which led to infertility. The increased amino acids caused decrease in alkalinity of the semen in prostate gland, which led to decrease in the motility and survival of sperm and protection of their genetic material. The decrease in RNA/DNA ratio in liver reflected loss of ribosomes and shrinkage of cytoplasm in liver cells. Carbohydrate profiles suggest either increased glycogenolysis or decreased glycogenesis in testes. The decreased lactic acid content, in spite of elevated glycolysis, suggests the possible stepped-up mobilization of lactic acid into citric acid cycle. Thus, the results suggest that C. papaya seed extract at low doses may be used as an antispermatogenic agent for bringing about temporary infertility.