Antioxidative protective effect of icariin on the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperm based on confocal raman micro-spectroscopy

Abstract

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.

Icariin Prevents IL‐1β‐Induced Apoptosis in Human Nucleus Pulposus via the PI3K/AKT Pathway

“…Excessive deposition of inflammatory cytokines in the microenvironment of intervertebral disc contributes to degeneration of the intervertebral disc [ 28 ]. As a traditional Chinese medicine, icariin has a strong antioxidative [ 29 – 32 ] and anti-inflammatory effect [ 33 – 36 ] in many vital tissues; however, there were no studies reporting its effect in the intervertebral disc.…”

Evaluation of the protective effects of icariin on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in male mouse –a pilot study

“…Medicinal plants and their active ingredients have received greater attention as potential anti-peroxidative agents. Icariin (ICA), (C 33 H 40 O 15 ; molecular weight: 676.67), the main active flavonoid glucoside from Epimedium herba is associated with a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-tumor activity, antioxidant effect, estrogenic activity, cardiovascular protection, enhancement of bone healing and neuroprotection, immunoregulation, and improved sexual function [9][10][11][12]. Experiment on animals has revealed that ICA improves erectile function when administered to aged male rats [13].…”

Icariin attenuates the severity of cerulein‑induced acute pancreatitis by inhibiting p38 activation in mice

“…Icariin (ICA) is a natural flavonoid glycoside isolated from plants in the Epimedium genus (Yin-Yang-Huo) of the Berberidaceae family and a well-known traditional Chinese medicine for treating male sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation (9,10). ICA, the major and active compound of Epimedium, has been associated with many biological and pharmacological effects, such as anti-osteoporotic (11), antioxidative (12), anti-inflammatory (13), anti-cancer (14), anti-depressant (15) and neuro-protective effects (16). Previous studies have reported that ICA ameliorates various diseases, including atherosclerosis, asthma and erectile dysfunction (17)(18)(19); however, the therapeutic effects of ICA in acute pancreatitis require further investigation.…”