Abstract
The paper presents the overall results and experimental details of the in vitro assessment of the elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract on the motility, viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of bovine spermatozoa in different time periods (0, 2, 6 and 24 hours). Sambucus nigra is often used for medicinal purposes throughout the world. Modern research reveals that Sambucus nigra extracts may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer and antioxidant properties, because of a high content of biologically active components. Spermatozoa motility was assessed using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Cell viability was examined using the metabolic activity MTT assay and ROS generation was quantified using luminometry. The CASA analysis revealed that the motility in the experimental groups supplemented with 100, 50 and 1 μg/mL elderberry extract was lower in comparison with other samples. The experiment showed that the elderberry extract had a considerable in vitro effect on the sperm motility, vitality and oxidative profile. The ROS production as well as the CASA assessment proved that the optimal concentration of both extracts was 10 μg/mL in every time with statistically significant results. The MTT test showed a statistically significant increase of mitochondrial at all time periods with 10 μg/mL elderberry extract when compared to the control group. When lower concentrations of the elderberry extract were used (5 and 1 μg/mL), the mitochondrial activity was higher than in the control group but lower than in the group supplemented with 10 μg/mL of the extract. In these groups this indicator increased maximally after 24 h. The findings of the present study indicate that Sambucus nigra extract possesses activity promoting properties on bovine spermatozoa at 10 and 5 μg/mL.
Highlights
Several commonly used plants have been reported to affect male reproductive functions in wildlife and humans
When lower concentrations of the elderberry extract were used (5 and 1 μg/mL), the mitochondrial activity was higher than in the control group but lower than in the group supplemented with 10 μg/mL of the extract
The initial (Time 0h) MOT was higher in the experimental groups supplemented with 100 and 1 μg/mL elderberry extract and lower in other groups with extract when compared to the control group, without any statistical significance (P>0.05)
Summary
Several commonly used plants have been reported to affect male reproductive functions in wildlife and humans. Evaluation of herbs has been in progress worldwide for several decades to identify effective and safe substances for fertility regulation. This approach proved to be a good alternative to synthetic drugs as the chemicals of plant origin have limited side effects. Elderberry extracts proved to be active against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at low concentration and against C. albicans at very low concentrations It is more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Elderberry can be used in treating diseases caused by selected test organisms It contains sterols, tannins, essential oils and can readily be considered as a healthy food. This study investigated the in vitro effects of the Sambucus nigra extract on the motility, viability and oxidative profile of bovine spermatozoa
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