The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three months treatment with Withania somnifera on apoptosis and intracellular ROS level of spermatozoa from infertile men [normozoospermic (N=25), oligozoospermic (N=25) and asthenozoo-spermic (N=25)]. Before and following treatment, apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels of spermato-zoa and the metal ions copper, zinc, iron, and gold in seminal plasma were measured. The apoptotic and necrotic cell distribution were analysed by Annexin-V binding and Propidium iodide uptake using flow cytometry. ROS generation was measured by fluorescence intensity and metal ions were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The resultsdemonstrated that prior to treatment apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels of spermatozoa were significantly higher in all groups of infertile men compared to controls (P<0.01 to P<0.001). Similarly, the levels of the essential metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Au2+ in seminal plasma were lower. Treatment with W. somnifera significantly reduced apoptosis in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men and ROS levels in oligozoospermic and asthenozoosper-mic men (all p<0.05). Treatment also significantly improved metal ion levels in infertile men (P<0.01). It is concluded that W. somnifera improves semen quality by reducing oxidative stress and cell death, as well as improving essential metal ion levels.

Shukla et al.; Reproductive BioMedicine; 2011; 22; 421-427.