Xiaogang Huang

Fisetin, a flavonoid widely present in natural plants, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-aging effects. Its protective roles within the mammalian reproductive system have gained increasing attention in reproductive medicine and natural product research. This review provides a narrative overview of the regulatory and protective effects of Fisetin on both female and male reproductive systems, with a focus on gonadal function, the reproductive microenvironment, and endocrine regulation. Key molecular mechanisms, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways, are discussed. Additionally, challenges related to low bioavailability and the translational potential in both clinical and agricultural settings are considered. By consolidating current knowledge, this review aims to provide a foundation for future research and the development of natural interventions for reproductive health.

Procyanidin (PC) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of PC on canine sperm quality after 72 h of storage at 4 °C. The collected ejaculates were separated into four equal aliquots and treated with various concentrations of PC (0, 10, 30, and 50 μg/mL) in Tris-citric-fructose-egg yolk (TCFE) extender and stored at 4 °C for 72 h. The findings revealed that 30 μg/mL PC was the optimum concentration for significantly improving sperm motility (p < 0.05). Sperm samples treated with 30 μg/mL PC had substantially greater plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential than the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, T-AOC and the expression levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) genes were significantly higher in sperm treated with 30 μg/mL PC than those in control (p < 0.05). In summary, this study discovered that adding PC to the TCFE extender enhanced sperm quality and that 30 μg/mL PC was the optimal concentration for canine sperm when stored at 4 °C.