Spermicidal activity of extract from Cestrum parqui.
OBJECTIVE
The leaf extract of Cestrum parqui was examined for its effects on sperm motility in vitro.


METHODS
Washed sperm were prepared by discontinuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation and incubated with varying concentrations of extract from C. parqui (40-250 microg/mL) at 37 degrees C and 5% CO(2). Sperm motility and viability were assessed at different intervals ranging from 5 to 240 min. Morphological changes in human ejaculated spermatozoa after exposure to the extract were evaluated under transmission electron microscope.


RESULTS
A dose- and time-dependent effect of this extract on sperm motility and viability was observed. The maximal spermicidal effect was observed with a 250-microg/mL dose of the extract. Transmission electron microscope revealed a significant damage to sperm membrane in both head and acrosomal membranes, notable swelling and disruption.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicates that this natural extract has potential spermicidal effect in vitro.
Souad
Kammoun
K
Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, 4002 Sousse, Tunisia.
Ali
Saad
S
Mounir
Ajina
A
Mounir
Trabelsi Mohamed
TM
D000328:Adult; D032301:Cestrum; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018515:Plant Leaves; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D010936:Plant Extracts; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents