IRIFIV Research

Protective effect of natural antioxidant Opuntia ficus-indica on ram semen quality stored at 5 °C for 72

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Larbi Allai, Xavier Druart, Noureddine Louanjli, Pinar Terzioğlue, Boubker Nasser, Bouchra El Amiri, Mehmet Ozturk

Journal / Date

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

This innovative pre-print study, hosted on Research Square with contributions from IRIFIV Fertility Center's esteemed director Dr. Noureddine Louanjli, explores a natural approach to a critical challenge in reproductive biology: preserving semen quality during storage. The research investigates the protective effect of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) extract as a natural antioxidant for maintaining ram semen viability during 72-hour liquid storage at 5°C.
The clinical and biotechnological relevance of this work extends significantly to human Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Semen storage is a cornerstone of fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and in vitro procedures. A primary threat to stored sperm is oxidative stress, which damages sperm membranes, motility, and crucially, its DNA integrity. This study demonstrates that a natural, plant-based antioxidant can effectively combat this damage, improving key parameters like motility, viability, and reducing DNA fragmentation. While conducted on an animal model, this research paves the way for exploring similar natural adjuvants in human semen extenders, highlighting IRIFIV's commitment to pioneering safe, effective, and innovative solutions to enhance all aspects of fertility care, from basic science to clinical application.

Abstract:

Recently, researchers have focused on the use of natural antioxidants to improve semen quality as a key element for successful artificial insemination. In this context the first aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and composition (minerals, vitamins, and sugars) of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode ethanolic extract (ETHEX). A further purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of ETHEX supplementation on the quality of liquid ram semen extended with skim milk (SM) at 5°C. The antioxidant activity of ETHEX was studied using DPPH• assay. The mineral composition and the sugar and vitamin contents of ETHEX were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and HPLC-DAD-RID analytical instruments. As a second part, semen was collected from five Boujaâd rams with an artificial vagina. The ejaculates with more than 70 % motility were pooled, extended with skim milk (SM) extender without (control) or supplemented with 1–8 % of ETHEX (37°C; 0.8 × 10⁹ sperm/mL). Sperm quality parameters were assessed at 8, 24, 48 and 72 h. Results The results showed that ETHEX had a higher antioxidant activity compared to those of ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Furthermore, ETHEX contains a considerable amount of minerals, vitamins, and sugars. The inclusion of 1 or 2 % ETHEX in SM increased the sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and decreased the abnormality, spontaneous and catalyzed lipids peroxidation (P < 0.05) up to 72 h. In addition, semen diluted with 1 and 2 % ETHEX decreased the level of DNA fragmentation compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion the ETHEX could be recommended to improve the quality of liquid ram spermatozoa. However, its effects on sperm physiology and artificial insemination should be further studied.

Keywords:

Opuntia ficus indica, natural antioxidant, semen quality, sperm storage, liquid semen preservation, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, ram semen, artificial insemination, reproductive biotechnology, IRIFIV research, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

IRIFIV Research

Protective effect of natural antioxidant Opuntia ficus-indica on ram semen quality stored at 5 °C for 72

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Larbi Allai, Xavier Druart, Noureddine Louanjli, Pinar Terzioğlue, Boubker Nasser, Bouchra El Amiri, Mehmet Ozturk

Journal / Date

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

This innovative pre-print study, hosted on Research Square with contributions from IRIFIV Fertility Center's esteemed director Dr. Noureddine Louanjli, explores a natural approach to a critical challenge in reproductive biology: preserving semen quality during storage. The research investigates the protective effect of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) extract as a natural antioxidant for maintaining ram semen viability during 72-hour liquid storage at 5°C.
The clinical and biotechnological relevance of this work extends significantly to human Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Semen storage is a cornerstone of fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and in vitro procedures. A primary threat to stored sperm is oxidative stress, which damages sperm membranes, motility, and crucially, its DNA integrity. This study demonstrates that a natural, plant-based antioxidant can effectively combat this damage, improving key parameters like motility, viability, and reducing DNA fragmentation. While conducted on an animal model, this research paves the way for exploring similar natural adjuvants in human semen extenders, highlighting IRIFIV's commitment to pioneering safe, effective, and innovative solutions to enhance all aspects of fertility care, from basic science to clinical application.

Abstract:

Recently, researchers have focused on the use of natural antioxidants to improve semen quality as a key element for successful artificial insemination. In this context the first aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and composition (minerals, vitamins, and sugars) of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode ethanolic extract (ETHEX). A further purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of ETHEX supplementation on the quality of liquid ram semen extended with skim milk (SM) at 5°C. The antioxidant activity of ETHEX was studied using DPPH• assay. The mineral composition and the sugar and vitamin contents of ETHEX were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and HPLC-DAD-RID analytical instruments. As a second part, semen was collected from five Boujaâd rams with an artificial vagina. The ejaculates with more than 70 % motility were pooled, extended with skim milk (SM) extender without (control) or supplemented with 1–8 % of ETHEX (37°C; 0.8 × 10⁹ sperm/mL). Sperm quality parameters were assessed at 8, 24, 48 and 72 h. Results The results showed that ETHEX had a higher antioxidant activity compared to those of ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Furthermore, ETHEX contains a considerable amount of minerals, vitamins, and sugars. The inclusion of 1 or 2 % ETHEX in SM increased the sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and decreased the abnormality, spontaneous and catalyzed lipids peroxidation (P < 0.05) up to 72 h. In addition, semen diluted with 1 and 2 % ETHEX decreased the level of DNA fragmentation compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion the ETHEX could be recommended to improve the quality of liquid ram spermatozoa. However, its effects on sperm physiology and artificial insemination should be further studied.

Keywords:

Opuntia ficus indica, natural antioxidant, semen quality, sperm storage, liquid semen preservation, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, ram semen, artificial insemination, reproductive biotechnology, IRIFIV research, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

Le Département de Recherche Scientifique d’IRIFIV Centre de Fertilité à Casablanca (Maroc) est dédié à l’avancement de la médecine de la reproduction, de la FIV et des approches diagnostiques innovantes. Les travaux de recherche menés par l’équipe IRIFIV contribuent au développement de nouvelles stratégies cliniques, biologiques et génétiques visant à améliorer la prise en charge de l’infertilité et des pathologies gynécologiques complexes.

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

Le Département de Recherche Scientifique d’IRIFIV Centre de Fertilité à Casablanca (Maroc) est dédié à l’avancement de la médecine de la reproduction, de la FIV et des approches diagnostiques innovantes. Les travaux de recherche menés par l’équipe IRIFIV contribuent au développement de nouvelles stratégies cliniques, biologiques et génétiques visant à améliorer la prise en charge de l’infertilité et des pathologies gynécologiques complexes.

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Fondé en 1992, avec plus de 34 ans d’expérience et des milliers de bébés nés, IRIFIV Casablanca est le premier centre structuré marocain de procréation médicalement assistée et l’un des centres de fertilité et FIV les plus reconnus à Casablanca et au Maroc. La clinique est spécialisée dans tous les cas d’infertilité, y compris les cas complexes. Nous utilisons des technologies et équipements de dernière génération, dont certains uniques au Maroc. IRIFIV et le laboratoire Labomac constituent un terrain de stage pratique en FIV dans le cadre du Diplôme Universitaire de Biologie et Génétique de la Reproduction de l’Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé, et sont actifs en recherche, formation médicale et collaborations internationales.

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IRIFIV Research

Protective effect of natural antioxidant Opuntia ficus-indica on ram semen quality stored at 5 °C for 72

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Larbi Allai, Xavier Druart, Noureddine Louanjli, Pinar Terzioğlue, Boubker Nasser, Bouchra El Amiri, Mehmet Ozturk

Journal / Date

Research Square

05/21/2021

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

Abstract:

Keywords:

Opuntia ficus indica, natural antioxidant, semen quality, sperm storage, liquid semen preservation, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, ram semen, artificial insemination, reproductive biotechnology, IRIFIV research, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

IRIFIV Research

Protective effect of natural antioxidant Opuntia ficus-indica on ram semen quality stored at 5 °C for 72

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Larbi Allai, Xavier Druart, Noureddine Louanjli, Pinar Terzioğlue, Boubker Nasser, Bouchra El Amiri, Mehmet Ozturk

Journal / Date

Research Square

05/21/2021

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

Abstract:

Keywords:

Opuntia ficus indica, natural antioxidant, semen quality, sperm storage, liquid semen preservation, oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, ram semen, artificial insemination, reproductive biotechnology, IRIFIV research, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

Vous aimerez aussi

IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

IRIFIV Research

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Biomarker Profile of Male Infertility in Morocco: A Retrospective Single-Center Study of 1399 Cases

IRIFIV Research

Mutations in the protamine locus: Association with spermatogenic failure?

prêt à démarrer votre projet parental?

prêt à démarrer votre projet parental ?

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RESOURCES

PATIENTS INTERNATIONAUX

ARTICLES RÉCENTS

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+212 5 22 94 97 72

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