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Sperm aggregation by water extracts from two Bursera species
1Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Dept. Ciencias de la Salud, Mexico City, DF, Mexico. hectorserrano@hotmail.com
Archives of Andrology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Plant extracts from Bursera species, including Mexican copal, show significant sperm agglutinating activity. Stem extracts were more potent than leaf extracts, suggesting proteins are responsible for sperm head aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Certain plant species possess medicinal properties beyond traditional uses.
- Mexican copal (Bursera species) is historically used in cultural practices.
- Some plant-derived water extracts exhibit contraceptive effects by affecting sperm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sperm agglutinating activity of two Bursera species.
- To assess the potential contraceptive properties of Bursera extracts on human and boar sperm.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of water extracts from stems and leaves of two Bursera species.
- Testing extracts on capacitated human and boar sperm samples.
- Microscopic observation of sperm agglutination patterns and intensity.
Main Results:
- Significant sperm agglutination was observed with Bursera extracts, unlike control samples.
- The primary agglutination pattern involved sperm heads.
- Stem-derived extracts demonstrated higher agglutinating activity compared to leaf-derived extracts.
Conclusions:
- Proteins within Bursera stem and leaf extracts are responsible for inducing sperm head aggregation.
- These findings support the investigation of Bursera species for potential natural contraceptive agents.