In vitro spermicidal effect of Thevetia Peruviana leaves on human spermatozoa.

Abstract

An in vitro spermicidal effect of aqua-methanolic (2:3) extract of Thevetiaperuviana leaves on human spermatozoa was evaluated in a dose-dependent manner (20, 40, 80 and 160mg/ml) at a 1:1 ratio. Sperm motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) and acrosomal status and function tests were performed immediately (20s), and after 5 and 10min of exposure of the spermatozoa to the extract of Thevetiaperuviana leaves at different dose concentrations. Nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) test, DNA fragmentation test and sperm revival test were also evaluated. The sperm motility was affected immediately at a dose of 20mg/ml and reduced gradually at doses of 40 and 80mg/ml of Thevetiaperuviana extract. Complete immobilisation of spermatozoa was observed at 160mg /ml dose of this extract treatment within 5min. 50% immobilisation of spermatozoa (EC50) was observed at 28mg/ml dose of Thevetiaperuviana extract within 20s. The sperm viability decreased significantly at a higher concentration of extract, and all spermatozoa were found to be non-viable after 10min when treated with 160mg/ml dose of Thevetiaperuviana extract. HOS and NCD of spermatozoa also reduced gradually at a higher concentration of extract administration. The percentage of DNA damage in spermatozoa was four times greater than in the control group. The findings indicate that the hydro-methanolic extract of Thevetiaperuviana leaves possesses appreciably potent spermicidal activity through an in vitro model, which may explore an effective vaginal contraceptive.