Protective effect of aqueous extract of <i>Myrica Esculenta</i> against cyclophosphamide-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in Wistar rats via antioxidant Signaling pathway

Oligospermia is a severe disorder that affects the male population around the world. Genetic defects, smoking, age, and modern lifestyle are significant contributing factors to male infertility in oligospermia. <i>Myrica esculenta</i> fruits contain high levels of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and ascorbic acid, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pharmacological properties. Therefore, the present study evaluates the protective effects of <i>Myrica esculenta</i> aqueous extract against cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in rats. A total of 25 Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each group consisting of 5 animals; 1) normal control (saline 5 mL/kg), 2) CYP (30 mg/kg, i.p.), 3) clomiphene citrate (0.25 mg/kg/i.p.), 4) aqueous <i>Manihot esculenta</i> extract (250 mg/kg/p.o.), 5) aqueous <i>M. esculenta</i> extract (500 mg/kg/p.o.). Treatment was given once a day for 15 days continuously. Our observation found a significant improvement in total sperm count, viability, motility, and a decline in abnormal sperm generation in <i>M. esculenta</i> extract 250 and 500 mg/kg treatment groups as compared to CYP-treated Wistar rats. Moreover, <i>M. esculenta</i> extract shows a significant increase in the 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, GSH, and catalase, and reduces the oxidative stress, thereby improving the sperm quality. <i>M. esculenta</i> extract was found to reduce DNA fragmentation and restore the testicular composition by enhancing the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in test-treated rats as compared to disease control rats. <i>M. esculenta</i> extract also improved sperm quality, boosted testosterone, and reduced oxidative stress, protecting against oligospermia. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential in managing male infertility. However, further investigations are necessary to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects.