Carica papaya seed extract slows human sperm

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Traditional medicine utilizes Carica papaya seeds for various health applications, including male and female reproductive health.
• Ethnomedical uses include male contraception and inducing abortion in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of aqueous Carica papaya seed extract on human sperm parameters.
• To evaluate the potential of Carica papaya seed extract as a male contraceptive agent.

Main Methods:

• Human semen samples were incubated with varying concentrations of Carica papaya seed extract.
• Sperm parameters assessed included motility, vitality, capacitation, acrosome reaction, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

Main Results:

• Carica papaya seed extract significantly reduced sperm vitality, total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity.
• The extract also decreased hyper-activated sperm percentages and mitochondrial membrane potential while increasing ROS production and DNA fragmentation.
• No significant effects were observed on sperm capacitation or acrosome reaction.

Conclusions:

• Aqueous Carica papaya seed extract adversely affects key sperm parameters essential for fertility.
• These findings support the traditional use of Carica papaya seeds and indicate its potential as a male contraceptive agent.