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Abstract
The ethyl acetate fraction of Mollugo pentaphylla, a tropical herb, contains an antifungal saponin (mollugogenol-A). We report here
the spermicidal effects of this saponin. Washed sperm (> 100 × 106with > 50% motility) from normal volunteers were incubated with varying concentrations
(0–300μg/ml) of mollugogenol-A at 30 °C. Sperm motility, velocity and viability were
assessed at 0, 30, 60 minutes both manually and by using computer assisted semen analysis
(CASA). Samples collected at 0 and 60 minutes were evaluated for membrane lipid peroxidation,
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and transmission electron microscopy.
A dose- and time-dependent effect of this saponin on sperm motion and viability was
observed. The maximal spermicidal effect (4–5 fold decrease in motility and viability)
was observed with 300 μg/ml dose of saponin. A three-fold increase in sperm membrane
lipid peroxidation with corresponding inhibition of SOD activity were observed after
60 minutes incubation with this spermicidal agent. Transmission electron microscopy
of saponin-treated samples revealed significant damage to the sperm membrane in both
head and tail regions, and the acrosomal membranes were notably swollen and disrupted.
These results indicate that this natural saponin has a potential spermicidal effect
besides its known antifungal activity. The likely mechanism of its action involves
sperm membrane damage by increased lipid peroxidation.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 19,
1993
Received:
December 31,
1992
Identification
Copyright
© 1993 Published by Elsevier Inc.
