Immobilization effect of Ruta graveolens L. on human sperm: A new hope for male contraception

Aim of the studyContraceptive plants which were introduced by folk in traditional remedies are investigated worldwide. In this study, the contraceptive effects of Ruta graveolens L., which has been mentioned for male contraceptive in Iranian traditional folk medicine, was experimented on human sperm.Materials and MethodsDifferent doses of lyophilized aqueous extract of Ruta graveolens L. were added to an amount of fresh semen, containing 106 cells in a 1:1 volumic ratio. Motility and viability of cells, DNA status, mitochondrial activity and sperm revival tests were carried out.ResultsThe sperm immobilization effects of the extract appeared immediately in a does-dependent manner and 100% of the sperms became immotile at a concentration of 100 mg/ml but other parameters were intact. After washing the sperms, motility was returned in 30.8 ± 3.2% of the sperms, besides coiled tails in 38.6 ± 5.5% of the treated cells, in comparison to 12.5 ± 2.0% of the control group (p = 0.001). The part of the extract, responsible for immobilization of the sperms was stable upon boiling.ConclusionsAs the cells were alive and immotile, probably some ionic currents are blocked by a thermostable component of the plant which can be promising as a new male channel blocker contraceptive.