Effect of Bioactive Compounds of Lemon, Onion and Garlic Extract on Buffalo Semen Quality, Antioxidant Status and Ultrastructure Changes

Abstract

The current study compared the semen and reproductive characteristics of frozen-thawed buffalo semen extended in egg yolk-based extender and the same extender enhanced with lemon, onion, and garlic (LOG) extract as a natural antioxidant agent. The basic diluents with LOG extracts (10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µl/ml) were used to re-suspend the semen samples. The control diluents had no antioxidant agent and were simply extenders. Ten mature buffalo bulls were used for the collection, and two times per week, artificial vaginas were used. The post-thawing motility and sperm viability were dramatically increased by the addition of LOG at concentrations of 30 and 50 µl/ml. Adding 30 and 50 µl/ml of LOG extract to spermatozoa considerably improved their acrosome and membrane integrity status. Additionally, LOG extract at concentrations of 30 and 50 µl/ml dramatically decreased lipid peroxidation and raised overall antioxidant activity (TAC). The spermatozoa treated with 30 µl/ml LOG extract showed the highest rate of conception. The quality and fertility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa improved because of the administration of LOG extract. Future research is needed to clarify how the bioactive components in the LOG extract, particularly at the low concentration, protect spermatozoa against cryodamage.