Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) on oxidative stress injury in testis and epididymis, and serum levels of reproductive hormones in an oligoasthenospermia (OAS) mice model.
 Methods: Thirty male Wistar mice were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 mice each: control group, OAS group and TFCC group. With the exception of control group, OAS was orally induced in the mice with ornidazole. The TFCC group received TFCC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were also measured.
 Results: The levels of ROS and MDA in the testis and epididymis significantly increased in OAS group, when compared to control mice (p < 0.05). However, TFCC administration significantly reduced their levels in these tissues (p < 0.05). In contrast, SOD activity significantly decreased in the testis and epididymis of mice in OAS group, relative to control group, but increased significantly after TFCC exposure (p < 0.05). Serum FSH and LH were markedly elevated in OAS group, but treatment with TFCC significantly reduced the levels of these hormones (p < 0.05).
 Conclusion: These results suggest that TFCC effectively improves sperm quality and reduces oxidative damage in testis and epididymis of mice with oligoasthenospermia via a mechanism involving the regulation of serum levels of reproductive hormones. Thus, TFCC may be useful in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia.
Highlights
Infertility is a global health challenge that affects couples’ emotions and family stability
The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly reduced in the tissues of mice in OAS mice, relative to control group, but was significantly increased after treatment with total flavonoids of Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) (p < 0.05)
The levels of MDA in the testis and epididymis were significantly increased in the OAS group, when compared with control (p < 0.05)
Summary
Infertility is a global health challenge that affects couples’ emotions and family stability. Factors such as reproductive system diseases, mental stress, psychological problems, work pressure, and environmental pollution exert varied degrees of impact on sperm quality [1]. It is native to China and it is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for warming and tonification of kidney yang. It contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and other phytochemicals. It has shown great promise in the treatment of poor sperm quality, testicular lesions and degeneration of gonadal function [4]. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TFCC on oxidative stress injury in testis and epididymis, and serum levels of reproductive hormones in oligoasthenospermia mice model
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