Novel Therapeutic Potential of 'Ambon' Banana and Green Bean Sprout Extracts in Mitigating Cigarette Smoke-Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress and Sperm Quality Impairment

Abstract

Cigarette smoke exposure generates free radicals, causing oxidative stress and adversely affecting reproductive organs, resulting in reduced sperm quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic benefits of 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts, either individually or in combination, in mitigating testicular MDA levels and preserving spermatogenic cells in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. 35 Male rats, aged 3 months, were divided into five groups: negative control, positive control (cigarette smoke-exposed), P1 (cigarette smoke + 'Ambon' banana extract), P2 (cigarette smoke + green bean sprout extract), and P3 (cigarette smoke + 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts). Cigarette smoke exposure was administered at 4 sticks/day/group for 30 days, and extracts were orally administered using a sonde for the same duration. The study showed that 'Ambon' banana extract, green bean sprout extract, and their combination significantly reduced testicular MDA levels, increased the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, testicular weight, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of mouse Leydig cells in rats. This study highlights the potential therapeutic effects of 'Ambon' banana and green bean sprout extracts as protective agents against cigarette smoke-induced testicular oxidative stress and sperm quality impairment.