A review on the effect of knotweed (Polygonum avicular) on biological and fertility indices of sperm

Abstract

<strong>Background & Aim:</strong>Infertility in humans and animals has always been a common concern, which is important in animals economically and emotionally in humans. The reluctance to use synthetic drugs, as well as the emphasis on the use of traditional medicine to treat impotence, has led to many attempts to use of medicinal plants.<br /> <strong>Experimental: </strong>In the current literature review key words including <em>Polygonum avicular</em>, knotweed, fertility and sperm were searched in scientific websites such as Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar to compile the effects of <em>Polygonum avicular</em> on fertility of sperm.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The reviews of studies showed that knotweed (<em>Polygonum avicular</em>) due to the presence of phenolic compounds active in its chemical structure and therefore having strong antioxidant properties) can be a suitable alternative to synthetic assisted reproductive drugs. This herbal medicine improves the quality of semen and increases the fertility potential of sperm by disrupting the production of free radicals, dissolving the chain reactions of oxidation and reducing oxidative stress. The antioxidant properties of knotweed cause the formation of health sperm with normal morphological structure (head, middle part and tail), and more integrated chromatin. The results of various studies on the effect of knotweed on fertility indicators showed that the rate of DNA failure and mitochondrial genome damage decreased in treated sperms. The treated sperm cells have the highest progressive motility, the highest viability and the best fertility.<br /> <strong>Recommended applications/industries:</strong> According to the results of previous studies, the use of knotweed in animal and human can increase sperm fertility and hatchability.