Preventive Effects of Tri Garn Pis Polyherbal Extract on Sexual Performance, Testicular Apoptosis, and Sperm Quality in a Dexamethasone-Induced Chronic Stress in Mice

Chronic stress (CS) contributes to male infertility, reduced testosterone levels, and impaired semen quality. CS models induced by glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone (DEX), negatively affect sperm parameters and testicular health, notably by promoting testicular apoptosis. While individual plant extracts have been studied for their ability to mitigate stress-induced reproductive dysfunction, the preventive effect of the Tri Garn Pis (TGP) polyherbal extract in DEX-induced CS (DexCS) has not previously been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of TGP extract on testicular function, sexual behavior, and sperm quality in DexCS male mice. Seventy-two ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, DexCS, TGP (50, 100, and 200) + DexCS, and TGP200. Mice received TGP (50, 100, 200 mg/kgBW) for 14 days before DEX co-treatment for 28 days. Behavioral and reproductive assessments included depression-like behavior tests, sexual behavior, sperm quality, testicular histopathology, steroidogenesis proteins (AR, CYP11A1, StAR), and apoptosis markers (Hsp70, caspase-3, caspase-9). TGP extract-which is rich in phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant activity-improved depressive behavior, sexual performance, testicular histology, and low sperm quality. TGP also upregulated testicular StAR expression while reducing caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels. TGP prevents testicular apoptosis, sexual dysfunction, and poor sperm motility induced by DexCS.