10.57647/tpr.2025.0903.14

In vitro protective effects of Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don (Asteraceae) on TM4 Sertoli cell

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  • Achasih Quinta Nkemzi1,
  • Chinyerum Sylvia Opuwari2,
  • Okobi Eko Ekpo3,
  • Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju*1,
  1. Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa
  2. Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
  3. Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates

Received: 2024-06-17

Revised: 2025-09-05

Accepted: 2025-09-14

Published in Issue 2025-09-16

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Nkemzi, A. Q., Opuwari, C. S., Ekpo, O. E., & Oguntibeju, O. O. (2025). In vitro protective effects of Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don (Asteraceae) on TM4 Sertoli cell. Trends in Phytochemical Research, 9(3), 169-180. https://doi.org/10.57647/tpr.2025.0903.14
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Abstract

Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don phytocompounds play an integral role in treating various diseases due to their bioactive properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of two H. cymosum extracts (aqueous and 70% ethanol) on cell viability, morphological changes, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH and TAC) and ROS production on TM4 Sertoli cells.  Results showed no significant effect on cell viability after 24 h but significantly decreased after 48 h (p < 0.05).  Cell structure integrity was maintained at all concentrations compared to the positive control (10% DMSO). Antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, GSH and TAC had good scavenging properties, although no statistically difference was recorded. ROS production was maintained with both extracts, albeit with no significant differences. H. cymosum extracts may contain potent bioactive components such as flavonoids that work synergistically to mitigate OS-induced infertility in males. Further investigations including in vivo experiments, are recommended to validate their use in herbal supplements and drug discovery.

Keywords

  • Antioxidant capacity, Asteraceae, Cytotoxicity, Glutathione, Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don, Phytocompounds, Superoxide dismutase
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