The effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) hydroalcoholic extracts on the functional parameters of human spermatozoa after vitrification

Abstract

Objective: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during cryopreservation of human sperm and impair sperm function. Antioxidant compounds, such as fennel and purslane, reduce the damaging effects of ROS. This study aimed to evaluate motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular ROS, and DNA damage to determine the optimum concentrations of hydroalcoholic extracts of fennel and purslane for human spermatozoa cryopreservation. Methods: Twenty human sperm samples were used and divided into seven equal groups consisting of fennel hydroalcoholic extract (5, 10, and 15 mg/L), purslane hydroalcoholic extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/L), and no additive. Results: Supplementation of 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L purslane extract and 10 mg/L fennel extract in cryopreservation extender significantly increased the motility and PMI of sperm with a significant reduction in intracellular ROS compared to control groups (p<0.05). A 50 mg/L concentration of purslane extract elevated progressive motility and MMP compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen for motion patterns and DNA damage of frozen–thawed human sperm in extender containing these extracts. Conclusion: The results showed that supplementation of 50 mg/L purslane extract and 10 mg/L fennel extract in semen cryopreservation extender has the potential to decrease intracellular ROS and subsequently elevate the motility and PMI of human sperm.

Human sperm parameter improvement associated with Ceratonia siliqua extract as a cryopreservation supplement after vitrification

“…For this measurement, flow cytometry was used. Red fluorescence with an FL2 detector (525–625 nm) was used to indicate intracellular ROS [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Phytochemical Characteristics and Anti‐Inflammatory, Immunoregulatory, and Antioxidant Effects of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Comprehensive Review

“…Antioxidant effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. oleracea (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) on functional parameters of human sperm samples was evaluated. Reduction of intracellular ROS and increase of motility of sperm were observed after treatment [ 135 ].…”