Sperm immobilizing properties of lemon juice

Gary N Clarke, Scott G McCoombe, Roger V Short

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sperm-immobilizing properties of lemon juice to determine if they are consistent with its traditional contraceptive use. It was found that lemon juice supernatant (LJS) has high osmolality (550-60 mOsm) and low pH (2.2-2.6) and that addition of LJS to semen to give a final concentration of 20% v/v reduced the pH from around 8.4 to 4.1. This acidification was associated with irreversible cessation of all sperm movements within 1 minute. In conclusion, lemon juice should be further evaluated for acceptability, safety, and efficacy as a topical vaginal contraceptive agent.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1529-1530
Number of pages2
JournalFertility and Sterility
Volume85
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2006
Externally publishedYes

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