Resumen

OSPINA MEDINA, Luisa et al. Evaluation of the spermicidal and cytotoxic activity of extracts of Sapindus saponaria L. (jaboncillo). Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.2, pp. 187-200. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: spermicides are contraceptive methods aimed at either immobilizing or killing spermatozoa. Objective: evaluate the spermicidal and cytotoxic activity of extracts of Sapindus saponaria L. (jaboncillo) on human spermatozoa and the HeLa cell line, respectively. Methods: semen samples from healthy individuals were incubated with extracts of Sapindus saponaria L. and their fractions. Sperm motility and viability were measured before and after each treatment. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of the extract on the HeLa cell line was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxy methoxy phenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium MTS assay. Results: maximum spermicidal effect was observed when semen samples were incubated with the polar fraction of Sapindus saponaria L. leaf extract after 5 minutes of treatment (p< 0.05). No cytotoxic effect on the HeLa cell line was found after 6 and 12 hours of treatment with the polar fraction of the leaf extract. Conclusion: the extract of Sapindus saponaria L. may be a new spermicidal option with fewer adverse effects.

Palabras clave : Sapindus saponaria L.; spermatozoon; sperm capacitation; spermicidal activity.

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