Spermicidal Activity of the Safe Natural Antimicrobial Peptide Subtilosin
2008
Spermicidal Activity of Subtilosin
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Katia E. Sutyak, Robert A. Anderson, Sara E. Dover, Kenneth A. Feathergill, Alla A. Aroutcheva, Sebastian Faro, Michael L. Chikindas
Primary Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Hypothesis
Can subtilosin serve as a safe and effective spermicidal agent?
Conclusion
Subtilosin is a promising spermicidal agent that does not harm healthy vaginal microbiota.
Supporting Evidence
- Subtilosin effectively eliminated the motility of human spermatozoa in a dose-dependent manner.
- Human cells remained viable after prolonged exposure to subtilosin.
- Subtilosin showed no harmful effects on healthy vaginal microbiota.
Takeaway
Subtilosin is a natural compound that can stop sperm from moving, making it useful for contraception.
Methodology
The study used an ectocervical tissue model to assess cell viability and sperm motility after exposure to subtilosin.
Limitations
The study did not establish an ET-50 value for subtilosin due to high cell viability.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
90%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website