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Review
. 2017 Mar 1;5(1):9.
doi: 10.3390/diseases5010009.

Male Infertility: The Effect of Natural Antioxidants and Phytocompounds on Seminal Oxidative Stress

Malik Adewoyin  1 , Muhammad Ibrahim  2 , Ramli Roszaman  3 , Muhammad Lokman Md Isa  4 , Nur Aizura Mat Alewi  5 , Ainin Azwani Abdul Rafa  6 , Mohd Nur Nasyriq Anuar  1
Affiliations
Review

Male Infertility: The Effect of Natural Antioxidants and Phytocompounds on Seminal Oxidative Stress

Malik Adewoyin et al. Diseases. .

Abstract

Defective sperm function has been identified as the most common cause of infertility. The objective of this study was to review recent findings on the effects of various antioxidants on male fertility. High amounts of poly unsaturated fatty acid are found in the mammalian spermatozoa membranes, thereby making them susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Although, free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play major roles in reproduction, they are strongly associated with oxidative stress. Furthermore, factors such as obesity, inflammation, pollutants and cigarette smoking are negatively correlated with spermatogenesis. Endogenous antioxidants system exists to mediate these damages. In a normal physiological state, the seminal plasma contains antioxidant enzyme mechanism that is capable of quenching these ROS as well as protecting the spermatozoa against any likely damage. However, high level of ROS triggered by inflammatory cells and oxidation of fatty acid in obese subjects may down play antioxidant mechanism resulting in oxidative stress. Evaluation of such oxidative stress is the first step in the treatment of male infertility through administration of suitable antioxidant. Notably, antioxidant such as vitamin E and C, carotenoids and carnitine have been found beneficial in restoring a balance between ROS generation and scavenging activities. There are emerging evidences that herbal products can also boost male reproductive functions. Nonetheless, a good lifestyle, regular exercise, avoidance of stress and observing safety rules at work are habits that can reverse male infertility.

Keywords: antioxidants; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; spermatozoa.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest among the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relationship between reactive oxygen specie, oxidative stress and male infertility.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Critical role of antioxidant enzymes in spermatogenesis. ROS—Reactive oxygen species, NO—Nitric oxide.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Image of Eurycoma longifolia jack plant. Source: [93].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Image of Cardiospermum halicacabum plant. Source: [96].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Image of grape seed. Source: [102].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Image of Marjoram plant. Source: [106].
Figure 7
Figure 7
Image of Syzygium aromaticum plant. Source: [109].
Figure 8
Figure 8
Image of Nigela sativa plant. Source: Pure Life 2017 [111].
Figure 9
Figure 9
Image of Lycium barbarum plant. Source: [113].
Figure 10
Figure 10
Image of Tribulus terrestrisplant. Source: [119].
Figure 11
Figure 11
Image of Asteracantha longifolia plant. Source: [123].
Figure 12
Figure 12
Image of Polycarpea corybosa plant. Source: [129].
Figure 13
Figure 13
Contradictory role of ROS in spermatogenesis. Source: [142].
Figure 14
Figure 14
Fertility boosting lifestyle.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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