Punicalagin is isolated from pomegranate and widely used for the treatment of different diseases in Chinese traditional medicine.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Punicalagin (purity ≥98%) on oxidative stress induced testicular damage and its effect
on fertility. We detected the antioxidant potential of punicalagin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress damage in
testes, also tried to uncover the boosting fertility effect of Punicalagin (PU) against oxidative stress‑induced infertility. Results
demonstrated that 9 mg kg−1 for 7 days treatment significantly decreases LPS induced oxidative damage in testes and nitric oxide
production. The administration of oxidative stress resulted in a significant reduction in testes antioxidants GSH, T‑SOD, and CAT
raised LPO, but treatment with punicalagin for 7 days increased antioxidant defense GSH, T‑SOD, and CAT by the end of the
experiment and reduced LPO level as well. PU also significantly activates Nrf2, which is involved in regulation of antioxidant defense
systems. Hence, the present research categorically elucidates the protective effect of punicalagin against LPS induced oxidative
stress induced perturbation in the process of spermatogenesis and significantly increased sperm health and number. Moreover,
fertility success significantly decreased in LPS‑injected mice compared to controls. Mice injected with LPS had fertility indices
of 12.5%, while others treated with a combination of PU + LPS exhibited 75% indices. By promoting fertility and eliminating
oxidative stress and inflammation, PU may be a useful nutrient for the treatment of infertility.

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