Beluntas Leaves Extract (Pluchea indica L.) as an Antifertility in Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Beluntas (Pluchea indica L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional herbal therapy due to its content of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, chlorogenic acid, essential oils, saponins, and polyphenols. These compounds are known to have various biological effects, including potential influences on the male reproductive system. Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of beluntas leaf extract on the number of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This experimental study evaluated the reproductive effects of beluntas leaf extract through histological examination of testicular tissue. Male white rats were administered beluntas leaf extract at different dose levels. The observed parameters included histological features and the number of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Testicular samples were collected and examined microscopically to assess cellular changes. Results: The results showed that the number of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells decreased with increasing doses of beluntas leaf extract. A dose-dependent relationship was observed, where higher doses resulted in a greater reduction in both Sertoli and Leydig cell counts. Histological observations supported these findings and indicated alterations in testicular tissue consistent with reduced cellular populations. Conclusion: This study concludes that the administration of beluntas leaf extract can reduce the number of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in male white rats. The higher the dose of beluntas leaf extract administered, the fewer Sertoli and Leydig cells were observed, suggesting a potential effect of beluntas on male reproductive function.