Antioxidant Activity of Paederia foetida Linn. Leaf Extract and Its Effect on Bovine Sperm Quality

Paederia foetida Linn. (P. foetida) is a wild vegetable native to both temperate and tropical regions of Asia, including Thailand. Traditionally, its leaves are believed to offer various health benefits, including promoting longevity and enhancing sexual performance. The purpose of the present study is to examine the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant efficacy and determine the influence on bovine sperm quality of aqueous leaf extracts. The powder of leaves was extracted with distilled water at 80 °C and analyzed for phytochemicals using HPLC for antioxidant properties and effects on sperm. Sperm samples were divided into five groups and treated with extract concentrations of 0.1375, 0.275, 0.55, 1.10, and 2.20 mg/mL and compared with a control (Krebs solution). The extract contained phenolic compounds and flavonoids. It exhibited potent scavenging efficacy against DPPH and ABTS radicals and inhibited LPO but showed low reduction of Fe (III) to Fe (II) and low inhibition of AOPP formation. No significant changes in sperm quality were observed with 0.1375, 0.275, 0.55, and 1.10 mg/mL, while 2.20 mg/mL caused a significant increase in abnormal sperm. In conclusion, P. foetida leaf extract has antioxidant potential and at concentrations up to 1.10 mg/mL is not detrimental to sperm quality.