The role of hypoglycemic phytochemicals in improving male reproductive dysfunction: a systematic review of preclinical evidence.
Diabetes mellitus (DM), which affects over 500 million individuals (7%) globally, is associated with male reproductive dysfunction in more than 15% of affected individuals. The preclinical mechanisms by which hypoglycemic phytochemical compounds alleviate reproductive dysfunction in this population are scattered. A detailed systematic review of the preclinical evidence, with a focus on mechanisms of action and application potential, is currently necessary. The objectives were to analyze preclinical evidence on the therapeutic potential and mechanistic pathways through which hypoglycemic phytochemicals improve male reproductive function in diabetes mellitus.
The protocol was registered in PROSPERO prior to screening, and PRISMA guidelines 2020 were followed. Papers included in the search were published from October 2010 to October 2025 and were identified using the PubMed, Connecting Repositories, and Google Scholar databases.
Only 35 studies published between 2012 and 2025 that investigated improvements in male reproductive dysfunction in preclinical settings were reviewed.
The hypoglycemic phytochemicals improved diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction through their effects on oxidative stress, sperm parameters, spermatogenesis, testicular morphology, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. There were variations in the outcomes measured and methodologies. The majority of hypoglycemic phytochemicals reduced reactive oxygen species, which may be inadequate in humans, where there is also a psychological impact on erection.
The review showed that hypoglycemic phytochemicals have the potential to improve male reproductive dysfunction in preclinical models of diabetes mellitus. The synthesis highlights the beneficial effects on glycemic control, sperm quality, hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, and testicular histology via integrated metabolic and reproductive mechanisms. Standardized phytochemicals should be used to study efficacy and safety before clinical trials.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251230781, identifier CRD420251230781.
The protocol was registered in PROSPERO prior to screening, and PRISMA guidelines 2020 were followed. Papers included in the search were published from October 2010 to October 2025 and were identified using the PubMed, Connecting Repositories, and Google Scholar databases.
Only 35 studies published between 2012 and 2025 that investigated improvements in male reproductive dysfunction in preclinical settings were reviewed.
The hypoglycemic phytochemicals improved diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction through their effects on oxidative stress, sperm parameters, spermatogenesis, testicular morphology, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. There were variations in the outcomes measured and methodologies. The majority of hypoglycemic phytochemicals reduced reactive oxygen species, which may be inadequate in humans, where there is also a psychological impact on erection.
The review showed that hypoglycemic phytochemicals have the potential to improve male reproductive dysfunction in preclinical models of diabetes mellitus. The synthesis highlights the beneficial effects on glycemic control, sperm quality, hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, and testicular histology via integrated metabolic and reproductive mechanisms. Standardized phytochemicals should be used to study efficacy and safety before clinical trials.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251230781, identifier CRD420251230781.
Authors
Ayebazibwe Ayebazibwe, Ninsiima Ninsiima, Mandera Mandera, Kyokunda Kyokunda, Okello Okello, Matovu Matovu
View on Pubmed