In vitro immobilizing and spermicidal effects of methanol leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) on caprine spermatozoa

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro effects of methanol leaf extract of E. hirta (MLEEH) on the motility, viability and morphology of caprine spermatozoa. Methods: The effect of MLEEH treatment (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg per mL) on caprine sperm percentage total and progressive motility, viability and total abnormalities were evaluated at 1, 5 and 10 min post-treatment. Sperm revival test was used to evaluate the reversibility of sperm incapacitation following MLEEH treatment. Results: There were significant interactions (p < 0.001) between the effects of MLEEH concentration and the duration of treatment on sperm total motility, progressive motility and viability. Increase in MLEEH concentration and the duration of treatment caused significant decreases (p < 0.05) in sperm total motility, progressive motility and viability, whereas sperm morphology was not altered. Washing and supplementation of MLEEH-treated sperm failed to revive sperm motility. Conclusion: E. hirta treatment causes concentration-dependent and time-dependent decreases in total and progressive sperm motility and sperm viability, as well as irreversible immobilization of spermatozoa. These findings suggest possible adverse effects of E. hirta on the fertility of males. Thus, the extract can be potentially developed as an antifertility or contraceptive agent.