RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Semen Cuscutae (SC), Rhizoma Curculiginis (RC) and Radix Morindae Officinalis (RMO) on human sperm motility in vitro and cytomembrane function. METHODS: Compare the sperm motility of the above-mentioned medicinal plants with modified Tyrode's solution (MTS) and MTS added caffeine in vitro. Human spermatozoa were incubated with decoctions of medicinal plant at various concentrations in 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. The motility of sperm was evaluated by the sperm capillary penetrating test, sperm speed test and sperm activity index calculations. The spermatozoa membrane function was evaluated by spermatozoal hypo-osmotic swelling test together with eosin staining methods. RESULTS: The sperm motility improved markedly and sperm membrane function became more stabilized after incubation, the SC had best effect, RC took second place, RMO was relatively poor. CONCLUSIONS: SC decoction is an effective promoting preparation for sperm motility and the membrane function stabilized. Therefore, SC may be beneficial in treating male sterility and may raise success rate in artificial insemination.