Aqueous extract of Eruca Sativa protects human spermatozoa from mitochondrial failure due to bisphenol A exposure

Medicinal plants are suggested to counteract health disorders from chemical pollutants. Here we explored the possible ameliorative effect of Eruca sativa aqueous extract (ESAE) on in vitro acute functional disturbance induced by Bisphenol A (BPA), a disruptor model in human spermatozoa. Phytochemical screening, high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis and 2,2'azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]/alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl (ABTS/DPPH) tests disclosed antioxidant properties of ESAE, ascribed to polyphenols and flavonoids. The toxicological impact of BPA on sperm viability and motility was detected for concentration greater than 10 mu M but co-incubation with ESAE recovered sperm function at low concentration (15.62 mu g/ml). BPA reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi m), with no impact on plasma membrane potential (Delta Psi p). At low doses, ESAE recovered Delta Psi m but higher doses were associated with impairment of both Delta Psi m and Delta Psi p. ESAE protects towards in vitro BPA-mediated toxicity and its possible use as complementary treatment for male reproductive disorders is critically discussed.