HISTOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC ALTERATIONS IN MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS INDUCED BY RUELLIA TUBEROSA LINN. ROOT POWDER IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

The current study evaluates the antispermatogenic effects of Ruellia tuberosa Linn. root powder on male Swiss albino mice with a focus on organ weights and histoarchitecture of the testis and epididymis. Mice were orally administered 50 mg/day of root powder for 15 and 30 days. Testis and epididymis weights were significantly reduced in treated groups (p < 0.05), and histological analysis revealed marked degeneration of seminiferous tubules, exfoliation of germinal cells, and a disrupted epithelial lining in the epididymis. These changes suggest impaired spermatogenesis and altered epididymal function. Recent phytochemical studies highlight bioactive flavonoids and triterpenoids that may mediate oxidative stress in testicular tissue. The effects appear reversible upon cessation, as shown in recovery groups in similar studies (Pardeshi et al. 2016). The findings support the traditional use of R. tuberosa in fertility regulation and suggest its potential role in developing reversible, plant-based male contraceptives.