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Review
. 2021 Aug 27;26(17):5196.
doi: 10.3390/molecules26175196.

The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality

Eva Tvrdá  1 , Filip Benko  1 , Tomáš Slanina  1 , Stefan S du Plessis  2
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Selected Natural Biomolecules in Sperm Production and Functionality

Eva Tvrdá et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that natural biomolecules may play important roles in the prevention or management of a wide array of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of male sub- or infertility has been proposed as a potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. As such, we aimed to evaluate the effects of selected natural biomolecules on the sperm production, structural integrity, and functional activity. At the same time, we reviewed their possible beneficial or adverse effects on male reproductive health. Using relevant keywords, a literature search was performed to collect currently available information regarding molecular mechanisms by which selected natural biomolecules exhibit their biological effects in the context of male reproductive dysfunction. Evidence gathered from clinical trials, in vitro experiments and in vivo studies suggest that the selected natural compounds affect key targets related to sperm mitochondrial metabolism and motion behavior, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA integrity and cell death. The majority of reports emphasize on ameliorative, stimulating and protective effects of natural biomolecules on the sperm function. Nevertheless, possible adverse and toxic behavior of natural compounds has been indicated as well, pointing out to a possible dose-dependent impact of natural biomolecules on the sperm survival and functionality. As such, further research leading to a deeper understanding of the beneficial or adverse roles of natural compounds is necessary before these can be employed for the management of male reproductive dysfunction.

Keywords: curcumin; flavonoids; lycopene; male fertility; natural biomolecules; phytoestrogens; polyphenols; spermatogenesis; spermatozoa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of resveratrol on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of quercetin on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of lycopene on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of catechins on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of curcumin on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of rutin on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of genistein on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of apigenin on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of naringenin on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Most frequently reported beneficial effects of kaempferol on spermatogenesis, sperm structural integrity and functional activity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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