Influence of Echeveria gibbiflora DC aqueous crude extract on mouse sperm energy metabolism and calcium-dependent channels

摘要

Ethnopharmacology relevance: In traditional Mexican medicine, Echeveria gibbiflora DC has been used as a vaginal post-coital rinse to prevent pregnancy. The aqueous crude extract (OBACE) induces sperm immobilization/agglutination and a hypotonic-like effect, likely attributed to the high concentration of calcium bis-(hydrogen-1-malate) hexahydrate [Ca2+ (C4H5O5)(2)center dot 6H(2)O]. Likewise, OBACE impedes the increase of [Ca2+]i during capacitation.