Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health

Abstract

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

Keywords: Eruca sativa; oxidative stress; semen parameters; spermatogenesis; testosterone.

Figure 1

Prominent flavonoids in ES include: (A) Quercetin; (B) Kaempferol; (C) Isorhamnetin; and (D) the structure of glucosinolates.

Figure 2

Hormonal regulation of testis function through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, involving the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-dependent production of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). In turn, testosterone is produced by Leydig cells under LH control. FSH, together with testosterone, promotes the correct process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone also supports the development of male sexual traits. The aromatase enzyme is involved in testosterone conversion into estradiol, the main estrogen, which owns specific physiological (and pathogenic) roles in males. The HPG axis undergoes negative feedback control by sex steroids and by inhibin released by Sertoli cells.