Spermicidal activity of the hexane extract of Piper longum: an in vitro study.
This study was carried out to assess the spermicidal action of hexane extract from the fruits of Piper longum Linn. The sperm immobilisation studies showed that 20 mg/mL of hexane extract was able to immobilise sperms completely within 20 s. The sperm revival test revealed that the effects were spermicidal as sperm immobilisation effect was irreversible. There was also a significant reduction in sperm viability in the treated group in comparison to the control. The hypo-osmotic swelling of these sperms was significantly reduced, indicating that the hexane extract may probably cause injury to the sperm plasma membrane. Hence, this study showed that the hexane extract of P. longum possesses potential contraceptive spermicidal activity in vitro.
a Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia , New Delhi 110025 , India.
Abu Hasnath Md Golam
AH
Sarwar
Ranjeet Kumar
RK
Nirala
Mohammed
M
Arif
Beena
B
Khillare
Sonu Chand
SC
Thakur
D006586:Hexanes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D031701:Piper / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*
D006586:Hexanes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; C026385:n-hexane
Piper longum; contraceptive; spermicidal