The Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Semen Oxidative Stress Markers in Men with Idiopathic Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Before-After Study

Abstract

Background: Assisted reproductive technique is the last treatment resort for idiopathic male infertility (IMI). In recent years, antioxidants have received vast attention to treat IMI by decreasing seminal oxidative stress. Methods: In this cross-sectional before-after study, we evaluated the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) as an antioxidant on seminal chemistry. Twenty-nine patients with IMI were treated with GSE 600 mg per day for 3 months. Seminal catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, and serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were evaluated both at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: Mean age of the patients was 32.5 ± 4.9 years. GSE consumption resulted in increased semen catalase (44.67 ± 17.11 vs. 53.05 ± 18.6, P = 0.016), decreased semen malondialdehyde (1.77 ± 0.48 vs. 1.55 ± 0.43, P = 0.024), and increased serum FSH (3.53 ± 1.51 vs. 4.3 ± 2.00, P = 0.026). Conclusions: Our study revealed GSE effectiveness in decreasing seminal oxidative stress in patients suffering from IMI.