Conclusion

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are present in the reproductive organs and its fluids in the female, and is generated by immature sperm, leukocytes from seminal plasma and by the presence of varicocele in the male. While (ROS) play an important physiological role in the process of reproduction, however, excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species leads to a state of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and subsequently DNA damage. Spermatozoa are especially vulnerable to the effects of (ROS) as it lacks antioxidant defences. Oral antioxidant supplementation could potentially help quench the increased levels of oxidative stress and improve the quality of gametes produced, especially in the male. Antioxidant therapies used clinically as oral supplementation include vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, folic acid and Coenzyme Q₁₀ either alone or in combination.