In Vitro Effects of Fenugreek, Sunflower, Green Cardamom and Seed Extracts on Motility Parameters and Oxidative Stress of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spermatozoa

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to assess the effects Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Fabaceae), sunflower (Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae), green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum, Zingiberaceae) and seed extracts, which they belonged to three different plant families, on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spermatozoa motility parameters and oxidative stress conditions. For this reason, sperm samples treated with seed extracts at the ratios of 0.1%, %0.5, 1%, and 2%, were incubated at 4°C and sampled at 2nd and 48th hours. Among sperm motility parameters, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), straightness STR), linearity (LIN), and wobble (WOB) were determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). According to the results, sunflower and green cardamom seed extracts have attenuated motility parameters at all tested concentrations. However, motility parameters measured in %0.5 of fenugreek seed extract were higher than all other groups including the control at 48th hour. Also, TBARS values as an oxidative stress indicator in this group were decreased. 2% of all seed extracts had negative effects on the sperm samples. Particularly, 2% sunflower seed extract caused the higher oxidative stress. These results indicate that fenugreek seed extract is more proper for the maintenance of common carp spermatozoa at 4°C, comparing to those of sunflower and green cardamom.