Sperm immobilizing properties of lemon juice

Fertil Steril. 2006 May;85(5):1529-30. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.10.040. Epub 2006 Mar 29.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Sperm Immobilizing Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*
  • Vaginal Douching / methods

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Sperm Immobilizing Agents