USES OF PLANT-DERIVED ANTIOXIDANTS IN TERMS OF FERTILITY IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of using plant-derived antioxidants on fertility in experimental animals. Material and Method: Scientific studies related to this study were investigated. In line with information obtained, the effects of some antioxidant plants on fertility parameters of experimental animals were reviewed. Antioxidants are defined as substances that inhibits oxidation. The most common antioxidant substances are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and phenolic compounds. And also, their main origin are the plants. Free radicals arise as byproduct during production of energy by cellular metabolism in mitochondria. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and thus protect the body against the harmful effects of oxidants. If the free radicals exceed detoxification capacity of antioxidant substances, oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress can damage to cellular components such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), protein and lipids and leads to formation of malignant cells. So, oxidative stress results in reproductive problems because it induces functional disorders in sex cells, organs and tissues. Result and Discussion: Studies on rabbits, mice, and rats have shown that non-neutralized free radicals cause reproductive dysfunction In conclusion, it was determined that the plant-derived antioxidants improve fertility parameters such as sperm, semen, oocytes and embryos in the experimental animals