Pharmacological and Toxicological Molecular Mechanisms of Tea on Testicular Health: A Review

The culture of tea drinking originated in China and has spread across the world over thousands of years. Tea not only carries cultural and historical significance but also offers various health benefits, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and immune-enhancing effects. Currently, reduced fertility is a concern for many young and middle-aged individuals. Environmental physical and chemical factors can damage male testicular health, inhibit spermatogenesis, and lead to infertility. Active components in tea, such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, and theanine, can mitigate these negative effects. By reviewing recent relevant literature, the authors summarize, from a molecular pharmacological perspective, the repair mechanisms of moderate tea consumption on male testicular damage. Additionally, the molecular toxicological aspects of excessive tea consumption on testicular harm are discussed. Future research directions in this field are also outlined, aiming to provide a reference for the development of tea's medicinal and dietary functions.