Unripe Papaya Seed Ethanol Extract (Carica papaya, Linn.) Inhibits FSH and LH of Male Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

Family planning is a program designed to control the rate of population growth extensively in the country of Indonesia. In order to avoid of potential destructive effects of population explosion, a nation-wide Family Planning Program has been adopted long-standing in Indonesia. As to make it successful, family planning would have to involve with participation of both males and females. It was aimed to prove that the ethanol extracts of a local plant, Bali papaya, have antifertility function via inhibiting the secretion of FSH and LH. Randomized post-test only control group design was selected for this study. 38 male mice (strain Balb-C) were used and randomly divided into two equal groups. Only 0.5 ml double-distilled water was applicated orally for 36 days to controls; and 0.5 ml ethanol extract of unripe papaya seed with dose of 20 mg/20gr BW/day for 36 days to treatments. At the end of the experimental duration, blood samples of each individuals of both of the groups were collected for FSH and LH measurement. FSH and LH levels in controls were recorded as 3.379 and 15.718 mIU/ml, respectively. In experimental animals, the level of FSH was declined to 2.053 mIU/ml, while LH was measured as 8.626 mIU/ml. The reduction of both of the hormone was probably related to the active substances of extract. Administration of the ethanol extract of papaya seed reduces the average level of FSH and LH (p<0.05), significantly.