ROS-Mediated Nematocidal Activity and Reproductive Toxicity of Herbal Extracts in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Traditional medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with diverse biological effects, yet their safety and mechanistic impact on reproductive health remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ruscus hyrcanus, Juniperus oblonga, and Stachys lavandulifolia extracts on survival, fertility, and germline integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Methods

Synchronized young adult worms were exposed to each extract, and survival and reproductive parameters were statistically analyzed using two-tailed Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

Through LC-MS analysis, we identified that all three extracts shared 78 compounds, mainly including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Our findings indicate that

SUBMITTER: Hu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12608140 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature