Therapeutic Role of Gallic Acid in Male Infertility

Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic acid found in various plants and has been shown to have numerous medicinal benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. It has a high bioavailability compared to other polyphenols. It has the potential to support reproductive health and may have fertility-boosting activities. The review discusses the effects of gallic acid (GA) on testicular enzymes, sperm quality, antioxidant activity, inflammation and apoptosis markers, and histopathological changes in male reproductive organs. GA has been found to protect against oxidative stress and restore the activity of testis-specific enzymes involved in spermatogenesis. It also improves sperm quality by preventing sperm defects and enhancing motility and viability. GA exhibits antioxidant properties by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation. It has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting NF-kB activation. GA also has anti-apoptotic effects by reducing the expression of apoptotic proteins and caspase-3 levels. Additionally, GA improves histopathological changes in the testes, including seminiferous tubule atrophy and germinal epithelial damage. Overall, GA shows promise as a therapeutic option for reproductive health, but further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential side effects.