Ameliorative effects of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extract on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and oxidative stress in a busulfan-induced model in rats

Objective: This study examined the potential protective role of date palm fruit extract (DPFE) and its underlying mechanisms against busulfan-induced sperm damage and infertility.Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were allocated to control, busulfan alone (10 mg/kg), DPFE alone (4 mg/kg), and busulfan+DPFE co-treatment groups for a period of 56 days. Semen parameters were evaluated along with DNA fragmentation, assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion test, and protamine deficiency, detected by chromomycin A3 staining. Testicular oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities.Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the high polyphenolic and flavonoid content of DPFE. Busulfan significantly induced testicular oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased MDA levels and reduced SOD and CAT activities. These alterations were accompanied by significant declines in sperm motility and viability, deterioration of sperm morphology, and marked increases in protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation. Co-administration of DPFE significantly counteracted these adverse effects by normalizing testicular oxidative status, reflected by decreased MDA levels and restoration of SOD and CAT activities. Consequently, DPFE improved sperm motility and morphology and, importantly, reduced the proportion of sperm exhibiting high DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency.Conclusion: Antioxidant-rich DPFE exerts a significant protective effect against busulfan-induced testicular toxicity, with its mechanism strongly linked to attenuation of testicular oxidative injury, thereby improving conventional sperm quality and, critically, preserving sperm chromatin structure and DNA integrity.