Pistachio Antioxidants Can Decrease Negative Effects of Free Radicals on Male Reproductive System: An Assessment and Review

Oxidative stress (OS) has been identified to be an important cause of sperm dysfunctions. Abnormal sperm morphology, chromatin integrity and DNA may have adverse effects on the implantation and early embryo development. Antioxidants are capable of scavenging or neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and then alleviating OS. Spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to ROS, because of the loss of a large amount of their cytoplasm along with its antioxidant content during the process of spermiogenesis. Normally, the level of seminal ROS is restricted by seminal antioxidants, but enhanced pathological ROS generation leads to OS and then sperm abnormality. Some nutrients including nuts, fruits are antioxidant rich. Pistachio is one of main antioxidants source. Pistachios contain high levels of antioxidants and studies showed pistachio have positive and protective effects on male reproductive system. In this review we will discuss the influence of ROS on sperm DNA damage and protective role of pistachio antioxidants.