Amphora Coffeaeformis Extract as a Novel Therapeutic Agent against Gamma Radiation-Induced Infertility in Male Rats

Gamma irradiation is a well-established environmental and therapeutic hazard known to impair male reproductive function through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and structural damage to testicular tissue. Natural antioxidants have emerged as potential protective agents against such effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic efficacy of the algal extract of Amphora Coffeaeformis (ACE) after studying its initial composition, and, since it is a well-defined extract with a special structure and rich in biologically active compounds, in mitigating gamma radiation-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. HPLC analysis was used to assess the monosaccharide components of ACE. In contrast, spectrophotometric analysis was used to evaluate the phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Analysis of the ACE revealed six different types of important monosugars, while the amount of phenolic compounds (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) amounted to 370.5 mg/100 g (as gallic acid), and the total flavonoids amounted to 32.8 mg/100 g (as quercetin). The ACE radical-scavenging activity against DPPH was considerable and dose-dependent, reaching 85.00 ± 0.84% at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml with IC₅₀ of (1.50 mg/ml). Together, these findings support the potential of ACE as a natural intervention for mitigating radiation-induced male reproductive damage. To test this, animals were exposed to a single whole-body dose of 3.5 Gy gamma radiation and subsequently treated orally with ACE (772 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consecutive days. Testicular function was then assessed comprehensively, through testicular and body weight, reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone), semen quality, oxidative stress biomarkers, and testicular histology. The radiation alone had a profound effect, as the rats in this group showed marked tissue damage, increased lipid peroxide, and a significant decrease in almost all measured reproductive parameters, including hormone levels, sperm quality, testicular size, and body and testicular weight. In the irradiated rats, testicular weight decreased to 0.87 ± 0.016 g compared to 1.38 ± 0.020 g in controls (p < 0.0001). After ACE administration following irradiation, testicular weight significantly increased to 1.30 ± 0.01 g (p < 0.0001 vs. irradiated), representing a 1.5-fold improvement. Sperm motility, which was completely abolished (0.00%) in irradiated rats, recovered to 70.66 ± 1.20% (p < 0.0001). Testosterone levels increased from 0.67 ± 0.05 ng/mL in irradiated rats to 2.43 ± 0.11 ng/mL after ACE treatment (p < 0.0001), representing a 3.6-fold increase. Sperm count improved from complete azoospermia (0.00 million/mL) to 46.25 ± 1.47 million/mL (p < 0.0001), and normal sperm morphology increased from 0% to 65.13 ± 1.55% (p < 0.0001). Regeneration of the seminiferous tubules and healing of cellular damage were both revealed histologically. ACE has potent radioprotective and curative properties against gamma radiation-induced infertility in rats via restoration of hormonal balance, testicular histology, antioxidant activity, and semen parameters. These findings support its potential as a health-improving ingredient in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, as a natural intervention for managing male reproductive damage caused by ionizing radiation.Clinical trial number: not applicable.