Resumo

PUERTA SUAREZ, Jenniffer et al. Effect of extracts from Anethum graveolens, Melissa officinalis y Calendula officinalis on the human spermatozoa. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.4, pp.420-430. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: there is wide availability of contraceptives; however unwanted pregnancy rate is not decreasing. One of the contraceptive methods employed are spermicides. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts from three plants extract: Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae), and Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) on the motility and viability of the human spermatozoon. Methods: semen samples from healthy volunteers were incubated with each plant extract at different concentrations, and the effects on spermatozoon motility and viability were evaluated. Results: Anethum graveolens extract reduced motility and viability by 65.3 and 16 % (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control), respectively; Melissa officinalis extract decreased motility by 78.2 % and viability by 22.3 % (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control). Finally, Calendula officinalis extract reduced motility and viability by 55.3 and 48.4 %, respectively (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control). Conclusions: none of the plant extracts at concentrations used in this assay has spermicidal effect on human sperm.

Palavras-chave : Anethum graveolens; Melissa officinalis; Calendula officinalis; spermicide; saponins; spermatozoa; contraception.

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