Human Spermicidal Activity of Passiflora edulis Extract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the spermicidal activity of Passiflora edulis extract on human spermatozoa.MethodsHuman spermatozoa were incubated with P. edulis extracts and their motility and viability were evaluated; additionally, the cytotoxic effect of the extracts was evaluated by the tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay.ResultsThe motility and viability were decreased immediately after treatment with a 21% dilution of the supernatant of the extract of P. edulis (P<0.001). No cytotoxic effect of the extracts studied was found on proliferation of MDBK and VERO cells.ConclusionThese results may open the way for the use of P. edulis as a spermicidal product with less adverse effects.