Antispermatogenic Effect of Piper betel Leaf Stalk Extract with Reference to Kinetic Studies of 17β-hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase Enzyme in Testes of Albino Rats

Background: In the development and maintenance of male reproductive function and fertility, steroidogenesis plays a key role. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the betel leaf stalk extract on 17β- hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase activity levels. Methods: The observed elevation in testicular cholesterol levels may be due to decreased androgen production, which resulted in impaired spermatogenesis. The decreased steroidogenic enzyme 17β- HSD activity represents decreased androgen production by the extract administration. Reduction in enzyme active site density and Km value revealed that there was a reduction in enzyme-substrate affinities and rate of E-S complex breakdown in the administered rat testes. Results & Conclusion: The administration of betel leaf stalk extract resulted in decreased enzyme content probably through impaired synthesis.