Effect of certain volatile oils on ejaculated human spermatozoa.

Abstract

The effect of 7 volatile oils -- oils of clove, peppermint, ajowan, dill, basil, cinnamon, and eugenol -- and 4 fixed oils -- groundnut, coconut, vegetable, and pure clarified butter -- on human spermatozoa in vitro were studied. Fresh ejaculates were obtained from male partners of infertile couples. Semen samples from 6 different donors were used for each dilution. Percent change in motility over control was calculated. All the volatile oils studied revealed a potent spermicidal action. This was confirmed by a supra-vital staining. The oils differed in the potency of their action. In decreasing order of immediate spermicidal activity, the oils could be graded as follows:oil of cinnamon, eugenol, clove oil, oil of basil, oil of ajowan, oil of peppermint, and dill. Higher dilutions of volatile oils also were spermicidal when they were incubated with semen samples for a longer period. The fixed oils were devoid of action on spermatozoa.