IBT/04 Antifertility and immunomodulatory effects of Ocimum sanctum on Swiss albino mice

Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) is a small herb seen throughout India that has been reported to have many medicinal effects. The present investigation reports the effect of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum on sperm parameters viz., reduced sperm motility and count. The percentage of abnormal sperm was shown to increase in caudal epididymal fluid and the fructose content decreased in the caudal plasma of the epididymis and the seminal vesicles. All these parameters returned to normal within two weeks of withdrawing the treatment. Studies like cell adhesion, phagocytosis and intracellular killing assays were performed on splenic macrophages isolated from treated and control group of mice to elucidate its immunomodulatory effect. Ocimum sanctum extract did not show any visible hepatotoxicity. The present study indicates that the plant may be useful in formulating a drug that induces reversible sterility in males.