In vivo Protective Role of Amaranthus viridis Extract and Direct Folate Treatment on the Sperms of Swiss Albino Mice - Abstract
Background: Synthetic drugs are available for treating infertility in men caused by various reasons as in use of anti-folates, poor health and environment etc. Plant supplements are preferred over chemicals due to lesser side effects and replenishment of the body through natural dietary resources.
Methods: Albino mice (Mus musculus) have been used as animal models for studying the benefits of Amaranthus leaf extract (Soxhlet extraction) and folate on the methotrexate dampened sperm conditions affecting the male fertility in mice.
Results: Methotrexate-exposed mice with abnormal sperm morphology (p=0.034), reduced motility (p=<0.0001), dead sperms (p=<0.0003) indicated significant damage induced by methotrexate. Folate and Amaranthus treatment reduced damage (pFA=0.30 and pAE=0.37). Mice showed significantly improved mean values, and drastic improvement in sperm motility (pFA = 0.0053, pAE = 0.0024), reduction in dead sperms (pFA = 0.0059 and pAE =0.0092), and no significant impact on the head morphology (pFA 0.38, pAE =0.15).
Conclusion: In our study we have observed that Folate and Amaranthus extract have noticeably contributed to improvement of sperm morphology in male mice. Further analysis can be done for evaluating its potential in treating fertility related complications in men.