Withania somnifera improves semen quality by combating oxidative stress and cell death and improving essential metal concentrations

This study investigated the effect of a 3-month treatment with Withania somnifera on apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration of spermatozoa and the metal ions copper, zinc, iron and gold in seminal plasma from infertile men (normozoospermic, n = 25; oligozoospermic, n = 25; and asthenozoospermic, n = 25). The apoptotic and necrotic cell distribution were analysed by annexin-V binding and propidium iodide uptake using flow cytometry. ROS generation was measured by fluorescence intensity and metal ions were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results demonstrated that, prior to treatment, sperm apoptosis and intracellular ROS concentrations were significantly higher in all groups of infertile men compared with controls (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). Similarly, the concentrations of the essential metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Au2+ in seminal plasma were lower. Treatment with W. somnifera significantly reduced apoptosis in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men and ROS concentrations in oligozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men (all P < 0.05). Treatment also significantly improved metal ion concentrations in infertile men (P < 0.01). It is concluded that W. somnifera improves semen quality by reducing oxidative stress and cell death, as well as improving essential metal ion concentrations. (C) 2011, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.