Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating in vitro the effects of a 75% v/v ethanolic extract of leaves of Castanea sativa Mill. (var. Bastarda Rossa, Mount Amiata, Tuscany, Italy) on ejaculated human sperm. Total polyphenols and total flavonoids contained in the extract were determined by a colorimetric assay and HPLC-DAD. The DPPH test and electrochemistry were utilized to study the antioxidant activity of the extract. Swim-up-selected sperm from 8 healthy men were treated with the C. sativa leaf extract at different dilutions (1 : 100, 1 : 200, and 1 : 500), and sperm motility was assessed following the WHO guidelines. Swim-up-selected spermatozoa were incubated with 100 μM H2O2 to induce lipid peroxidation (LPO) and with H2O2 and the leaf extract (1 : 100, 1 : 200, and 1 : 500) to test the antioxidant activity of the extract. The levels of LPO were determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The treated samples were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural evaluation. The chemical analysis showed that one-third ca. of the polyphenols in the C. sativa extract were made up of flavonoids, with hyperoside present in high concentration. A good antioxidant activity was demonstrated by both the DPPH test and electrochemical analysis. The C. sativa leaf extract did not decrease sperm motility at all tested dilutions. Treatment with H2O2 alone caused a significant increment in MDA levels (P = 0.006993), while the treatment with H2O2 plus C. sativa extract diluted to 1 : 100 and 1 : 200 significantly reduced MDA levels (P = 0.01476 and P = 0.01571, respectively), with respect to H2O2 alone. TEM analysis confirmed the protective effect of the extract on damage induced by LPO, in particular that occurring at the plasma membrane level. The C. sativa leaf extract could be used in human and farm animal protocols for gamete handling, such as techniques of assisted reproduction and cryopreservation of semen, all conditions in which oxidative stress is exacerbated.
Highlights
Castanea sativa Mill. (C. sativa) is a very long-lived tree, belonging to the Fagaceae family present in South Europe and Asia
content of the ethanolic extract (CEE) monomeric polyphenols were represented by quercetin glycosides, such as hyperoside (RT = 18:25 min)
Repeating the DPPH test on hyperoside and quercetin, we found that the best IC50 value was exerted by quercetin 0.01 mg/ml, while the IC50 value of hyperoside was 0.06 mg/ml; these values were higher than those which one would expect considering the presence of these compounds at the IC50 value of CEE
Summary
Castanea sativa Mill. (C. sativa) is a very long-lived tree, belonging to the Fagaceae family present in South Europe and Asia. (C. sativa) is a very long-lived tree, belonging to the Fagaceae family present in South Europe and Asia. It could be important to try to use the waste material to find substances that can be utilized in industrial, cosmetic, and nutraceutical fields and other areas, encouraging recycling and a sustainable economy [1]. Extracts of this plant have displayed a clear biological activity; in particular, they have shown cardioprotective [2], antihelminthic, antibacterial, and antiviral effects [3] and neuroprotective activity [4]. Observations recently made by Budriesi et al [5] in high-fat diet rats suggested that the chestnut extract has the potential to be used in medicine as a dietary supplement in the treatment of obesity complications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
