Ameliorative effect of methanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris L. on nicotine and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats

The emergence of natural products as potential therapeutics for male infertility

Infertility is a major reproductive health problem. Approximately 50% of all documented cases of infertility are attributable to male factors, such as poor testicular function and semen quality. The recent significant global decline in sperm counts has serious implications for male fertility, but the armamentarium for improving testicular function and semen quality is limited. Natural products have a wide range of activities and are a major source of drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To provide ideas and a theoretical basis for the research and development of therapeutic drugs for male infertility, this review summarizes natural products (mostly monomers) that have been shown to improve testicular function and semen quality and their possible mechanisms of action. These natural products primarily improve testicular function and semen quality via antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to increasing serum testosterone and reducing DNA damage in spermatozoa and testicular cells. Prospects for the application of natural products in the treatment of male infertility are discussed.

The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats

Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.

Quercetin Abates Aluminum Trioxide Nanoparticles and Lead Acetate Induced Altered Sperm Quality, Testicular Oxidative Damage, and Sexual Hormones Disruption in Male Rats

This study examined the effects of exposure to lead acetate (PbAc) and/or aluminum trioxide nanoparticles (Al₂O₃NPs) on testicular function. Additionally, the probable reproprotective effects of quercetin (QTN) against Al₂O₃NPs and PbAc co-exposure in male Sprague Dawely rats were assessed. Al₂O₃NPs (100 mg/kg b.wt.), PbAc (50 mg/kg b.wt.), and QTN (20 mg/kg b.wt.) were orally administered for 60 days. Then, spermiogram, histopathological examinations of the testis and accessory glands, and immunohistochemical detection of androgen receptors (AR) and tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α) were achieved. Moreover, serum levels of male sex hormones and testicular levels of antioxidant indices were estimated. The results showed that Al₂O₃NP_s and/or PbAc caused significant sperm abnormalities, testicular oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Furthermore, serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels significantly decreased, while estradiol levels significantly increased. The Al₂O₃NPs and/or PbAc co-exposed group had more obvious disturbances. Furthermore, QTN co-administration significantly reversed the Al₂O₃NPs and PbAc-induced testicular histopathological alterations, reduced antioxidant defenses, and altered AR and TNF-α immune expression in testicular tissues. Conclusively, Al₂O₃NPs and/or PbAc evoked testicular dysfunction by inducing oxidative injury and inflammation. However, QTN oral dosing effectively mitigated the negative effects of Al₂O₃NPs and PbAc by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving the antioxidant defense system.

Trends and challenges in phytotherapy and phytocosmetics for skin aging

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Free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammation contribute to the etiology of most chronic diseases.

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Natural products can be incorporated into cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and nutricosmetics to tackle inflammation-related diseases.

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The use of alternative green extraction solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents and electrochemically reduced water is trending.

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Delivery systems are important for the enhancement of the bioavailability, stability, solubility, and controlled release profile of the bioactives.

Oxidative stress and inflammation mostly contribute to aging and age-related conditions including skin aging. The potential of natural products in the form of naturally-derived cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and nutricosmetics have, however, not been fully harnessed. This review, thus, critically analyzes the potential roles of natural products in inflammation-related skin aging diseases due to the increasing consumers’ concerns and demands for efficacious, safe, natural, sustainable, and religiously permitted alternatives to synthetic products. The information and data were collated from various resources and literature databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Google, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The role of green extraction solvents as promising alternatives is also elucidated. The potential enhancements of the bioavailability, stability, solubility and controlled release profile of the bioactives using different delivery systems are also presented. The current potential global market value, motivators, drivers, trends, challenges, halal, and other regulatory certifications for cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics are equally discussed. The adoption of the suggested extractions and delivery systems would enhance the stability, bioavailability, and target delivery of the bioactives.