Abstract
The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to noxious influences, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, drugs, and even diseases that can induce germ cell damage and alterations in spermatogenesis. All of these factors, which are caused by actions at the testicular level and/or at the excurrent ducts and accessory glands, significantly affect sperm parameters and male fertility. For this reason, it is of major importance to investigate possible ways to protect the male reproductive system since males are exposed to these toxic factors constantly. For centuries, natural products have been used by humans in folk medicine as therapeutic agents, and because of their beneficial properties for human health, plenty of them have been introduced to the pharmaceutical market as supplementary therapies. The present review aims to compile available information regarding different natural exogenous factors that demonstrate potential useful activity in the male reproductive system. The studies presented here reopen the perspective of using natural products as protective agents and eventually as new supplementary therapeutic options for the recovery of hampered spermatogenesis and/or male infertility.
Highlights
In mammals, adult testicles participate in the biosynthesis and secretion of sex steroid hormones and the production of testicular fluid and spermatozoa
Several factors have been shown to affect the normal progression of spermatogenesis, which may lead to a significant decrease in the production and/or quality of spermatozoa, causing infertility
The endogenous cellular antioxidant defense system protects the cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be generated via endogenous processes or in response to exogenous agents
Summary
Adult testicles participate in the biosynthesis and secretion of sex steroid hormones and the production of testicular fluid and spermatozoa These endocrine and exocrine functions are crucial for male fertility [1]. Various natural products have a set of properties that can be beneficial for the functioning of the male reproductive system, both in animals and in humans. These natural products can be an isolated bioactive compound or a product containing a mixture of several bioactive compounds in their composition. All of them have been identified as protective agents and/or have beneficial effects on animal models for male reproductive function due to their biological activity. This review mainly focuses on reports of animal experiments because due to the high complexity of the male reproductive system, they are more realistic models
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