The comparative effect of hesperidin and date pollen added to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm diluent on sperm membrane integrity and fertilization

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 3, 149 - 154, 30.09.2025

Gamze Uçak , Ali Doğan Ömür , Serkan Ali Akarsu , Esat Mahmut Kocaman , Ahmet Karahanli , Ahmet Yörü , Belkıs Kamer

https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1736442

Abstract

Hesperidin is an important flavonoid compound found at high levels in citrus fruits. In addition to its protective effects on vital organs, numerous studies have highlighted its beneficial impact on the reproductive system. Date palm pollen (DPP) is the male reproductive cell of the date palm flower, known for its successful results in the treatment of infertility. The present study aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of hesperidin and date pollen on fertilization and sperm membrane integrity in rainbow trout sperm. Four male rainbow trout were used in the study. Sperm was collected from the trout by abdominal massage method and divided into 5 equal groups: 0.024 DPP, 0.5 DPP, 0.009 hesperidin, normal diluent and native sperm. Each group was diluted with the previously prepared diluent. Sperm was collected from female fish by the abdominal massage method. Egg fluid was obtained and diluted sperm was added. They were left to incubate in the incubator, and the total number of fertilized eggs was determined after 28-30 days. Smear samples were taken from the groups with eosin-nigrosin staining and evaluated for membrane integrity. As a result, fertilization was observed only in the groups reconstituted with normal diluent and hesperidin-added groups. When sperm membrane integrity was evaluated, it was found that the highest membrane damage was observed in the two groups to which date pollen was added. Date palm pollen-added diluent caused an increase in sperm membrane damage in rainbow trout sperm. The addition of hesperidin to the rainbow trout sperm diluent caused an increase in fertilization potential and a positive effect on the preservation of seminal membrane integrity.

Keywords

Rainbow trout , Hesperidin , Palm pollen , Sperm

Ethical Statement

Approval for the study was obtained from Atatürk University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee (Protocol no: 2025/02–38).

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