(P26-016-25) An Examination of Bioactive Compounds From Cyperus esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera Linked to Enhanced Male Fertility

Objectives: Sperm disorders and hormonal imbalances are primary causes of male infertility. The depletion of antioxidants or antioxidant enzyme activity may be a contributory factor to male infertility disease aetiology. The search for the treatment or management of male infertility is difficult because synthetic drugs induce undesired side effects. The cultivation Cyperus esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera in Nigeria is not limited to their use as purported aphrodisiacs but also as a remedy for male infertility. There are anecdotal reports that a combined plant concoction increases sexual urge, sperm count and improve the likelihood of pregnancy.

Methods: After metabolomic profiling analysis of these plant extracts by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts from both plants were prepared and their antioxidant free radical scavenging ability assessed using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) or 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay, and their potential cytotoxicity to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells quantified using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays.

Results: The ethanol extract of P. dactylifera and aqueous and ethanolic extract of C. esculentus displayed notably high radical scavenging properties compared to antioxidant standards. Toxicity assays revealed that extracts from both plants were well tolerated by neuronal cells. Metabolomic profiling of these plant extracts by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer revealed the presence of a range of phytochemicals, some of which have recognized nutraceutical and antioxidant capabilities including: 5α-Androstan-3,6,17-trione, Agnuside, 19-Norandrostenedione, Astragalin, Naringenin, Quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside-7-O-glucoside, L-(+)-Citrulline, (-)-Caryophyllene oxide, 1-Aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, perphenazine, xylitol, 6-Aminocaproic acid, Indole-3-acetic acid, and α-Linolenoyl ethanolamide.

Conclusions: Studies are ongoing to consider which of the phytochemicals could provide the beneficial properties to counter male infertility.

Funding Sources: This research is funded by Petroleum Trust Development Funds, Nigeria.