Abstract
In this study, the in vitro spermostatic action, hemolytic action in combination of parabens of two essential oils (EOs) from Eugenia brejoensis Mazin (Myrtaceae, EbEO) and Myroxylon peruiferum L. (Fabaceae, MpEO) is reported, in addition to the first chemical characterization of MpEO. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Different concentrations of both EOs (25 to 400 µg/mL) were mixed with human ejaculate and sperm motility was assessed after 5, 15 and 30 min. A total of 44 compounds were identified in MpEO; the major components were spathulenol, α-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, limonene and β-elemene. Both EOs exhibited spermostatic action in a dose-dependent manner. The best results were obtained for EbEO at all treatment times, showing IC50 values of 454.75 µg/mL (5 min), 417.68 µg/mL (15 min) and 403.93 µg/mL (30 min). M. peruiferum also showed significant immobilizing potential with IC50 values of 620.39 µg/mL (5 min), 652.70 µg/mL (15 min) and 579.37 µg/mL (30 min). Both oils showed low cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes. This is the first report on human spermostatic action for EOs from E. brejoensis and M. peruiferum which has antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. These results suggest the need for further research on toxicological aspects of both EOs and their components in order to develop new pharmaceutical preparations using them as leader compounds. Key words: Eugenia brejoensis and Myroxylon peruiferum essential oils, spermostatic activity, human spermatozoa.
Highlights
Several contraceptive methods are described in the medical literature as alternatives to avoid unplanned pregnancy
This study aimed to evaluate the spermostatic activity of essential oils from two plants collected in the Caatinga: Eugenia brejoensis Mazin and Myroxylon peruiferum L
The chemical composition of the oils used in this paper was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-mass spectrometric (MS))
Summary
Several contraceptive methods are described in the medical literature as alternatives to avoid unplanned pregnancy These approaches include different compounds from various chemical classes, of various action mechanisms and with different levels of effectiveness. Spermicidal substances are designed to prevent pregnancy through death or immobilization of spermatozoa so that they are unable to reach the oocyte and fertilize it (Schreiber et al, 2006). Despite their advantages, they are based mostly on nonoxynol-9, a compound that is capable of causing side-effects such as cervical and vaginal irritability and potentially favoring the emergence of infectious microorganisms and/or altering the growth of lactobacilli (Ojha et al, 2003). There is urgent need for replacement of such agents with safer and more effective alternatives such as natural contraceptives
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
