Inhibition of human sperm motility by specific herbs used in alternative medicine

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze sperm motility parameters in the presence of herbs. Methods: Washed sperm were incubated in either saw- palmetto (Serenoa repens, Permixon Sabal serrulatum), echinacea purpura, ginkgo biloba. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), or control medium. Parameters were measured on a Hamilton-Thorn analyzer after 1, 4, 24, and 48 hr at 37°C. Results: Sperm motility was inhibited at the high concentration (0.6 mg/mL) of St. John's wort. Curvilinear velocities and beat cross frequencies also decreased, but not hyperactivation. High-concentration saw- palmetto, echinacea, or ginkgo inhibited motility at 24 and 48 hr. Conclusions: A potent inhibition of sperm motility was seen in St. John's wort unrelated to changes in pH. Furthermore, sperm viability was compromised in St. John's wort, suggesting a spermicidal effect. Metabolic changes were observed in saw-palmetto-treated sperm. High-concentration echinacea purpura interfered with sperm enzymes. Ginkgo did not have an antioxidant effect on sperm motility.