Toxic and Antifertility Potential of Neem Seed and Andrographolide Based Bait against Male House Rat (Rattus rattus Linnaeus, 1758)

Anti-reproductive and toxic properties of neem seed alcoholic hexane and andrographolide extract-based bait were investigated in house rat, Rattus rattus. Using these extracts three treated baits were prepared, the doses of both extracts were similar in these baits; difference was only in the method of their preparation. In treated bait 1, polymer was used to increase the palatability and bioavailability of secondary metabolites. In treated bait 2, both polymer and bio stabilizer (for thermo-, photo-stability, and bioavailability of secondary metabolites) were added. In treated bait 3, nanoemulsions of both extracts were used. Percentage acceptance of treated bait 2 was also maximum. However, percentage mortality was maximum with treated bait 3 due to Tween 20 added to it. The weight of reproductive organs, and sperm parameters were adversely affected in rats fed on treated bait 2. Histological studies revealed maximum interstitial space, percent seminiferous tubules with disorganized germinal epithelium, and minimum number of Leydig, germ, and Sertoli cells, in rats fed on treated bait 2. Both toxic and antifertility effect of treated bait 2 might be due to the increase in the palatability, bioavailability, and stability of secondary metabolites which can be used for long-term reduction of rodent population.