Abstract
Objective: This study was aimed
to investigate the effect of using plant-derived antioxidants on fertility in
experimental animals.
Material and Method:
Scientific studies related to this study were investigated. In line with
information obtained, the effects of some antioxidant plants on fertility
parameters of experimental animals were reviewed.
Antioxidants are defined as substances
that inhibits oxidation. The most common antioxidant substances are vitamin A,
vitamin C, vitamin E and phenolic compounds. And also, their main origin are
the plants. Free radicals arise as byproduct during production of energy by
cellular metabolism in mitochondria. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and
thus protect the body against the harmful effects of oxidants. If the free
radicals exceed detoxification capacity of antioxidant substances, oxidative
stress occurs. Oxidative stress can damage to cellular components such as
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), protein and lipids and leads to formation of
malignant cells. So, oxidative stress results in reproductive problems because
it induces functional disorders in sex cells, organs and tissues.
Result and Discussion: Studies on rabbits, mice, and rats have shown that
non-neutralized free radicals cause reproductive dysfunction In conclusion, it
was determined that the plant-derived antioxidants improve fertility parameters
such as sperm, semen, oocytes and embryos in the experimental animals.