Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don phytocompounds play an integral role in treating various diseases due to their bioactive properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of two H. cymosum extracts (aqueous and 70% ethanol) on cell viability, morphological changes, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH and TAC) and ROS production on TM4 Sertoli cells. Results showed no significant effect on cell viability after 24 h but significantly decreased after 48 h (p < 0.05). Cell structure integrity was maintained at all concentrations compared to the positive control (10% DMSO). Antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, GSH and TAC had good scavenging properties, although no statistically difference was recorded. ROS production was maintained with both extracts, albeit with no significant differences. H. cymosum extracts may contain potent bioactive components such as flavonoids that work synergistically to mitigate OS-induced infertility in males. Further investigations including in vivo experiments, are recommended to validate their use in herbal supplements and drug discovery.
Nkemzi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.