Natural Products as Protective Agents for Male Fertility

Abstract

The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to noxious influences, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, drugs, and even diseases that can induce germ cell damage and alterations in spermatogenesis. All of these factors, which are caused by actions at the testicular level and/or at the excurrent ducts and accessory glands, significantly affect sperm parameters and male fertility. For this reason, it is of major importance to investigate possible ways to protect the male reproductive system since males are exposed to these toxic factors constantly. For centuries, natural products have been used by humans in folk medicine as therapeutic agents, and because of their beneficial properties for human health, plenty of them have been introduced to the pharmaceutical market as supplementary therapies. The present review aims to compile available information regarding different natural exogenous factors that demonstrate potential useful activity in the male reproductive system. The studies presented here reopen the perspective of using natural products as protective agents and eventually as new supplementary therapeutic options for the recovery of hampered spermatogenesis and/or male infertility.

Hallmarks of Testicular Aging: The Challenge of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Therapies Using Natural and/or Pharmacological Compounds to Improve the Physiopathological Status of the Aged Male Gonad

“…Moreover, the observed increase in testicular antioxidant defenses, such as GSH concentration, was not sufficient to reverse the lipid peroxidation found in aged testes [172]. The beneficial effects of curcumin following the exposure to various toxic agents has been reviewed by Martins et al [206], and are beyond the scope of this review.…”

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

“…The bioactive substance obtained from turmeric rhizomes is curcumin, which has been widely used in Chinese medicine. Curcumin exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities [ 113 , 114 ]. In the male reproductive system, it acts as a testicular protective factor against oxidative stress that is induced, for example, from exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium.…”

“…In the male reproductive system, it acts as a testicular protective factor against oxidative stress that is induced, for example, from exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium. Curcumin has been shown to increase levels of oxidoreductases, like superoxide dismutase [ 113 ]. In studies on mice, which were injected intraperitoneally with CdCl 2 in a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight and curcumin (50 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days, a decrease in sperm motility and a reduction in testosterone content as a result of administration of cadmium solution were proven.…”

“…Also, a lower rate of sperm deformity in the epididymides was obtained in the group of mice treated with curcumin compared with the group that was administered cadmium alone. It has also been proven that curcumin increases the level of glutathione peroxidase, or superoxide dismutase, and reduces the content of hydrogen peroxide [ 113 ].…”

Mitochondria-Stimulating and Antioxidant Effects of Slovak Propolis Varieties on Bovine Spermatozoa

“…The ultimate supplement for sperm cultures should ideally stimulate the mitochondrial apparatus in charge of energy synthesis for a proper sperm motility, while at the same time, act as an antioxidant to protect critical sperm structures against oxidative stress [5]. More and more evidence suggests that both these goals could be achieved by taking advantage of natural products such as plant extracts, herbs or honeybee products [6].…”