Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Male Rat Fertility: Mating Efficiency, Pregnancy Rate, and Litter Size

Background and Objective: Previous investigations have demonstrated that Bryophyllum pinnatum enhances sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone levels, and testicular histoarchitecture in male rats. However, functional fertility outcomes following treatment remain inadequately documented. This study evaluated the fertility potential of B. pinnatum-treated male rats using mating efficiency, pregnancy rate, and litter size as definitive indices of male fertility. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered B. pinnatum leaf extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. Treated males were subsequently paired with untreated, proven-fertile female rats in a 1:2 mating ratio. Pregnancy rate and litter size were assessed to determine functional fertility outcomes. Data are presented as mean±SEM; one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was applied (p<0.05). Results: A significant reduction in fertility indices was observed at 100 mg/kg (p<0.05). In contrast, higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) produced pregnancy rates and litter sizes not significantly different from the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: These findings provide functional validation that Bryophyllum pinnatum modulates male fertility in a dose-dependent manner. The study emphasizes the necessity of evaluating functional reproductive outcomes alongside biochemical and histological parameters in fertility research.