Silymarin as a promising antioxidant for sperm cryopreservation: a narrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Sperm cryopreservation is a key technology in preserving male fertility, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or those with compromised semen quality. However, the cryopreservation and thawing processes frequently lead to oxidative stress, resulting in significant deterioration of sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity. This review explores the potential role of plant-derived antioxidants in mitigating cryodamage, focusing on silymarin-a polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from Silybum marianum. The objective is to evaluate the effect of silymarin on post-thaw sperm parameters in comparison to traditional antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

Methods

This narrative review was conducted by systematica

SUBMITTER: Malik A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271949 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature