Recuperative Effects of Resveratrol on Male Reproductive Health against Testicular Toxicants

R. Pavani, S. B. Sainath

Abstract: Resveratrol (3, 5, 4' - trihydroxy - trans - stilbene), a polyphenol that belongs to stilbenoids group and is well recognized for its antioxidant properties and in addition, it exerts vasorelaxant, anti - inflammatory, anti - carcinogenic properties. These extraordinary properties of resveratrol underlie its therapeutic potential and eventually elaborated its medical benefits to protect various tissues such as pancreas, brain, kidney, heart, and liver. The unique chemical structure of resveratrol possessing phenol rings linked to each other through ethylene bridge underlies its antioxidant properties. In the current study, recuperative effects of resveratrol at the level of testicular functions against the oxidative damage induced by toxic insults was highlighted. This review comprises of three aspects. The first aspect emphasizes the structure, sources, and health benefits of resveratrol. The second aspect covers the adverse effects of environmental pollutants and their mechanisms involved in the deterioration of spermatogenesis and testosterone biosynthesis. The third aspect highlights the protective role of resveratrol on male reproductive health against toxic insults. Finally, the pros and cons of resveratrol were presented.

Keywords: Apoptosis, epididymis, resveratrol, sperm, testis, testosterone