Testicular and spermatotoxic potential of methanol extract of red cultivar Allium cepa in rats

Clinical Application of Bioextracts in Supporting the Reproductive System of Animals and Humans: Potential and Limitations

There is an increasing demand of spices and herbs in developing countries due to the beneficial effects of plants and herbal preparations as medicines. The basic technological process of obtaining extracts from natural raw materials is extraction, consisting in etching with solvents. Plant extracts are extremely complex, multicomponent mixtures obtained from flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, twigs, or seeds of various plant materials. They are a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamins. The search for alternative methods of treatment is increasingly replacing the scientists' excessive focus on the healing properties of bioextracts. Recent research offers great hope for the development of alternative methods to improve the reproductive system. The use of animal models in experimental research has increased knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of bioextracts on both male and female reproductive systems and reproductive cells. Demonstrating the positive effect of plant extracts creates new opportunities for the use of biowaste, which is a by-product in various production sectors. The aim of this review is to present the functional properties of extracts of natural origin, a cross section of modern methods of their preparation, and a discussion of the possibilities of their use in the auxiliary reproductive system.

Preserving effect of Loboob (a traditional multi-herbal formulation) on sperm parameters of male rats with busulfan-induced subfertility

OBJECTIVE

Male infertility secondary to exposure to gonadotoxic agents during reproductive age is a concerning issue. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effect of Loboob on sperm parameters.

METHODS

55 healthy rats were selected, weighted and divided into five groups consisting of 11 rats each. The control group received no medication. Rats in Treatment Group 1 received 10mg/kg Busulfan and rats in Treatment Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 35,70 and 140 mg/kg Loboob respectively in addition to 10mg/kg Busulfan. Finally, the sperm parameters and weights of the rats were compared using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn-Bonferroni tests.

RESULTS

All sperm parameters and weights were significantly decreased among rats receiving Busulfan. All dosages of Loboob were effective to enhance the motility of slow spermatozoa, while only in the rats given 70 and 140 mg/kg of Loboob saw improvements in progressively motile sperm percentages (0.024 and 0.01, respectively). Loboob at a dosage of 140mg/kg improved sperm viability. It did not improve normal morphology sperm or decrease immotile sperm counts. Loboob did not affect mean rat weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Loboob offered a dose-dependent protective effect on several sperm parameters in rats with busulfan-induced subfertility.

Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential

Infertility, a couple's inability to conceive after one year of unprotected regular intercourse, is an important issue in the world. The use of natural products in the treatment of infertility has been considered as a possible alternative to conventional therapies. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and the mechanisms of various natural products on infertility. We collected articles regarding infertility and natural products using the research databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Several natural products possess antioxidant properties and androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. Antioxidants are the first defense barrier against free radicals produced by oxidative stress (OS). They remove reactive oxygen stress (ROS), reducing insulin resistance, total cholesterol, fat accumulation, and cancer growth. Moreover, various natural products increase endometrial receptivity and fertility ability showing androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. For example, Angelica keiskei powder and Astragalus mongholicus extract showed anti-infertility efficacies in males and females, respectively. On the other hand, adverse effects and acute toxicity of natural products were also reported. Tripterygium glycoside decreased fertility ability both in males and females. Results indicate that management of infertility with natural products could be beneficial with further clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effect.