Ameliorative effects of propolis upon reproductive toxicity in males

Abstract

Propolis is a sticky natural product produced by honeybees. Research studies have discussed the effectiveness of propolis, directly or indirectly, for ameliorating reproductive toxicity in males; however, this research has not yet been reviewed. The current paper presents an integrative summary of all research studies in Scopus and PubMed that investigated the effects of propolis on semen quality, and hence on male fertility, in conditions of reproductive toxicity. The consensus indicates that propolis ameliorates reproductive toxicity and enhances semen quality in vivo in test animals. These effects may be attributable to the ability of propolis to reduce testicular oxidative damage, enhance testicular antioxidant defense mechanisms, increase nitric oxide production, reduce testicular apoptotic injury, and boost testosterone production. However, to generalize these effects in humans would require further research.

Propolis attenuates diabetes-induced testicular injury by protecting against DNA damage and suppressing cellular stress

“…Male gonadal hormones, particularly LH and testosterone, are thought to be the main markers of susceptibility to exogenous reproductive toxicants and play a significant role in regulating spermatogenesis in male individuals ( Banihani, 2023 ). LH, a peptide hormone secreted from the pituitary gland, stimulates Leydig cells, which then generate testosterone, a steroid hormone chemically derived from cholesterol.…”