Abstract

SPERMICIDAL ACTIVITY OF CHLOROFORM FRACTION OF HYDRO-METHANOL (2:3) EXTRACT OF CUMINUM CYMINUM: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Bhabani Prasad Pakhira, Kishalay Jana, Abhinandan Ghosh, Adrija Tripathy, Debidas Ghosh*

ABSTRACT

The chloroform fraction of hydro-methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum was examined for its effects on sperm motility in vitro at different concentration. Different doses of chloroform fraction were added to an amount of fresh semen, in a 1:1 volumic ratio. Motility and viability of cells, hypoosmotic swelling test and sperm revival tests were carried out. A dose and time dependent effect of this fraction on sperm motility and viability was observed. The maximal spermicidal effect was observed with a 2 mg/ml dose of the fraction. The effects were spermicidal but not spermiostatic as sperm immobilization effect was found to be irreversible. The maximum number of sperm failed to decondense when treated with 2 mg/ml chloroform fraction. The hypo- osmotic swelling of these sperm was reduced significantly at this highest concentration, indicating that the fraction may probably cause injury to the sperm plasma membrane. The present study indicates that chloroform fraction of hydro-methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum has potential spermicidal effect in vitro.

Keywords: Cuminum cyminum; Male contraceptive; Spermicidal activity; Sperm viability.