EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PLANT-BASED COMPOUNDS IN STIMULATING SPERMATOGENESIS FOR MALE INFERTILITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder in which impaired spermatogenesis, altered testicular steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and disruption of Sertoli–germ-cell interactions contribute to reduced sperm production and quality. Increasing experimental and clinical interest has focused on plant-derived compounds and botanical preparations as potential modulators of testicular function because of their diverse effects on redox homeostasis, steroidogenic signaling, cellular survival, and metabolic pathways. This review critically examines the evidence for plant-based interventions in the modulation of spermatogenesis and associated testicular processes relevant to male infertility management. Particular attention is given to botanicals and bioactive constituents investigated in human studies, animal models, and cellular or ex vivo systems, including Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Lepidium meyenii, processed Shilajit, Tribulus terrestris, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Cistanche species, icariin, echinacoside, naringin, naringenin, astaxanthin, lycopene, curcumin, resveratrol, kaempferol, apigenin, and chlorogenic acid. Their potential effects on Leydig cell steroidogenesis, Sertoli-cell function, germ-cell survival and differentiation, mitochondrial homeostasis, oxidative and inflammatory signaling, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis are discussed. Importantly, the available evidence is differentiated according to whether an intervention demonstrates direct or putative effects on spermatogenic processes, supportive effects on the testicular microenvironment, or protection of mature spermatozoa. Although several compounds have demonstrated improvements in sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, testicular histology, and molecular markers in experimental models, evidence from controlled human studies remains comparatively limited and heterogeneous. Translational challenges, including botanical standardization, dose optimization, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic variability, reproductive safety, and methodological limitations of existing studies, are also considered. Overall, plant-derived compounds represent promising candidates for further investigation in male infertility; however, well-designed clinical studies with standardized preparations and mechanistically defined endpoints are required to establish their efficacy and therapeutic relevance in stimulating or supporting human spermatogenesis.