Abstract
Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze sperm motility parameters in the presence of herbs.
Methods: Washed sperm were incubated in either saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens, Permixon Sabal serrulatum), echinacea purpura, ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), or control medium. Parameters were measured on a Hamilton-Thorn analyzer after 1, 4, 24, and 48 hr at 37°C.
Results: Sperm motility was inhibited at the high concentration (0.6 mg/mL) of St. John's wort. Curvilinear velocities and beat cross frequencies also decreased, but not hyperactivation. High-concentration saw-palmetto, echinacea, or ginkgo inhibited motility at 24 and 48 hr.
Conclusions: A potent inhibition of sperm motility was seen in St. John's wort unrelated to changes in pH. Furthermore, sperm viability was compromised in St. John's wort, suggesting a spermicidal effect. Metabolic changes were observed in saw-palmetto–treated sperm. High-concentration echinacea purpura interfered with sperm enzymes. Ginkgo did not have an antioxidant effect on sperm motility.
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Ondrizek, R.R., Chan, P.J., Patton, W.C. et al. Inhibition of Human Sperm Motility by Specific Herbs Used in Alternative Medicine. J Assist Reprod Genet 16, 87–91 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022568823262
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022568823262