Scorpio maurus palmatus crude venom: A natural spermicidal agent inducing human spermatozoa membrane disruption

Many spermicide products currently in use incorporate contraceptive detergents as their active ingredients. These substances have been shown to adversely affect normal microbiota and vaginal epithelial cells, as well as raise the risk of vaginal and cervical infections and ulcers. This study investigated the potential impacts of crude venom from the scorpion species Scorpio maurus palmatus (Smp) on the motility of human spermatozoa in vitro. Semen samples were provided by 12 healthy fertile men. The crude venom of Smp was diluted in a series and tested for its capacity to immobilize sperm using the Sander-Cramer assay. To assess sperm vitality and membrane integrity, the test for sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling were utilized. The results revealed that Smp crude venom at a concentration of 0.8 mg/mL effectively immobilized and killed 100% (10.0 million/mL) of human spermatozoa within 20 s. In summary, this study demonstrates that Smp crude venom possesses spermicidal properties, acting by disrupting the sperm cell plasma membranes.