THE EFFECT OF RICINUS COMMUNIS-LINN (RICOM 1013-J) ON SEMEN PARAMETERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: The seed variety of Ricinus communis-linn (RICOM 1013-J) is a popular contraceptive agent among the Rukuba women of Central Nigeria. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of RICOM 1013-J to that of an anti-androgen, diane-35 (which contains 0.035g cyproterone acetate and 2mg of ethinyl oestradiol), on testicular histology and function. Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g were used for this experiment. The animals were administered orally with 0.41mg/kg of diane-35, RICOM 1013-J (10mg/kg) and10mg/kg of normal physiological saline, for the control group. The rats were then weighed weekly for six weeks. Results and Conclusions: The semen parameters measured showed marked suppression of testicular function in the groups treated with RICOM 1013-J and diane-35, when compared to that of the control. It can therefore be concluded that RICOM 1013-J suppresses testicular histology and function and is a potential male contraceptive agent.