Sperm immobilizing properties of lemon juice.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm-immobilizing properties of lemon juice to determine if they are consistent with its traditional contraceptive use. It was found that lemon juice supernatant (LJS) has high osmolality (550-60 mOsm) and low pH (2.2-2.6) and that addition of LJS to semen to give a final concentration of 20% v/v reduced the pH from around 8.4 to 4.1. This acidification was associated with irreversible cessation of all sperm movements within 1 minute. In conclusion, lemon juice should be further evaluated for acceptability, safety, and efficacy as a topical vaginal contraceptive agent.
Clarke
Gary N
GN
Department of Andrology, Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia. gary.clarke@rch.org.au
McCoombe
Scott G
SG
Short
Roger V
RV
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002957:Citrus / Q000737:chemistry*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013078:Sperm Immobilizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D044364:Vaginal Douching / Q000379:methods
D010936:Plant Extracts; D013078:Sperm Immobilizing Agents