Withania somnifera Chemical Constituents’ In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters

Abstract

Background: Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era. Objectives: The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen. Methods: The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of W. somnifera roots were determined using standard protocols. Results: The constituents included flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were reported. High-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determined a diverse array of biologically active chemical constituents in the extract. The extract of W. somnifera exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H2O2 scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing potential ( P < .05). The analysis of essential natural minerals explored adequate levels determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant thrombolytic, RBC membrane stabilization, and DNA damage protection activity ( P < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of W. somnifera extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant ( P < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. Conclusion: The study concludes that W. somnifera possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Embracing Natural Remedies: The Role of Ashoka, Ashwagandha, And Rhodiola Rosea In Managing Mental Health During Menstrual Cycle

“…Order Solanales CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS [36][37][38][39][40] Ashwagandha's acylsterylglucosides and sitoindosides have anti-stress properties. It has been demonstrated that active components of ashwagandha, such as sitoindosides VII-X and Withaferin-A, have strong anti-stress action against acute forms of experimental stress.…”

Human Sperm as an In Vitro Model to Assess the Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplements during Sperm Handling: A Narrative Review

“…These aforementioned characteristics make spermatozoa a general and ideal cell model to test in vitro many compounds at different concentrations related and unrelated to the reproductive field (Figure 3). Indeed, many antioxidants [85][86][87][88][89][90][91] have been tested using this model. In addition, spermatozoa have been used as an in vitro monitor of toxicity due to many compounds including natural substances that have potential contraceptive activity; thus, this research has aimed to identify promising products that could be used as vaginal contraceptive agents [92][93][94][95].…”

Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?—A Review

“…Antioxidative properties of Ashwagandha have been proved in numerous studies before. Ashwagandha's antioxidant potential is due to phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds [56]. It has been suggested that reactive oxygen species may contribute to infertility in a variety of ways, for example by interfering with spermatogenesis or sperm-ovum mating [50].…”

“…Another study investigated the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of W. somnifera on standard parameters of semen from healthy volunteers [56]. Incubation of semen with W. somnifera extracts improved sperm motility and preserved sperm viability for a longer period than the control.…”