Short Communication: Spermicidal properties of Durio zibethinus in the Mandiangin Forests, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Nurliani A, Kartinah N. 2017. Short Communication: Spermicidal properties of Durio zibethinus in the Mandiangin Forests, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biofarmasi (Rumphius J Nat Prod Biochem) 15: 26-28. Side effect caused by condom with synthetic spermicide encourages researcher to find alternative spermicide from plant which have fewer side effects. Bark of durian extract is potential candidate for herbal spermicide because it could decrease the percentage of human spermatozoa quality in vitro at the concentrations of 2%. This study was designed to evaluate its spermicidal activity by in vitro on motility, velocity of movement, viability and morphology of human spermatozoa. The formulation of gel with 2% of bark of durian extract were developed by using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as gelling agent with 3 different concentrations, namely, 1.5; 2; and 2.5 %. Evaluation of gel preparations including physical appearance, viscosity, spreadability, and pH was done to obtain the best formula. Based on the evaluation, the best performance of gel was achieved by adding 2% of HPMC. Furthermore, the spermicidal activity of the gel with bark of durian extract was tested and compared to the bark of durian extract without gel, gel without bark of durian extract, and the fresh sperm as control. Formulation of gel with bark of durian extract significantly decreased all parameters of spermatozoa quality. Thus, formula containing 2% of bark of durian extract with HPMC 2% possesses appreciable spermicidal potential.