Modulation of redox homeostasis by Lamiaceae herbs in seminal vesicles of Lumbricus terrestris

Health benefits of Lamiaceae herbs are attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals. However, mechanism of in vivo functionality is not very well understood. In this paper, the authors determined the in vivo effect of dietary Lamiaceae herbs on modulating redox-nitric oxide homeostasis and sperm quality in oxidation prone environment of seminal vesicles in Lumbricus terrestris. Animals fed ad libitum on Lumbricus growth medium supplemented with 0% (control), 0.1% or 0.5% (w/v) of different herbs. The seminal vesicles of the animal were dissected out on day 2 and day 6, and gently disrupted. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA fragmentation (DNAF), glutathione, nitrates/nitrites, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase were determined using standard assays. Sperm maturity and deformation (DFO) was quantified microscopically. Overall, the herb treatments decreased MDA levels by (60%- 90%), increased SOD activity (15%-50%), and decreased DNAF (6%-11%). Phytochemicals from Lamiaceae herbs modulate redox stress response, and protect against oxidative stress in seminal vesicles.