In vitro study evaluating the instantaneous treatment of ozonised olive oil on human sperm.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of ozonised olive oil (OOO) on human sperm in vitro.

METHODS: Human sperm was incubated with OOO for 20 s in vitro. The lowest concentration that completely immobilised all the sperm in 20 s without subsequent recovery of motility was recorded as the minimum effective concentration (MEC). The effects of OOO at MEC on human sperm viability, mitochondrial and acrosomal status, DNA integrity and transmission electron microscopy were observed.

RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that OOO dose-dependently inhibits sperm motility. The MEC of OOO for 100% sperm immobilisation in 20 s was 6 μg/ml. Further experiments showed that sperm ultrastructure, function and DNA integrity were significantly affected after treatment with 6 μg/ml OOO in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS: OOO has spermicidal potential and may be explored as a promising vaginal contraceptive agent.