Protective Effects of Curcumin in the Reproductive System: Anti-toxic, Semen Cryopreservative, and Contraceptive Actions

Abstract

Human daily exposure to various chemical and biological agents is growing due to modern life, and most of these chronic or acute exposures lead to important recognized toxicities. Multiple tissues and body systems could be affected following these exposures and among them is the human reproductive system, which is very vulnerable to toxins. Here we focus mainly on the male reproductive system, and available data show that various exogenous materials could have negative effects on male reproductive parameters. Interestingly, the well-known antioxidant natural product curcumin may have properties which could diminish these toxic effects. Curcumin has also shown some promise in the cryoprotection of sperm samples through its antioxidant potential. Finally, limited data exists on the putative contraceptive activity of curcumin. This narrative review aims to appraise the activity of curcumin within these topics through the available data.