Protective effects of corn silk and asparagus Officinalis against formaldehyde-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats via CDK2/Spem1/Fbxo47 and Tet1 pathways.

This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous extracts of Asparagus officinalis and Corn Silk (Stigma maydis) against formaldehyde-induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rats. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that Gallic acid was the major phenolic component in Corn Silk, while Syringic acid predominated in A. officinalis. Formaldehyde exposure significantly reduced (P < 0.05) body and testicular weights, reproductive hormone levels, sperm count, motility, and normal sperm morphology. It also caused notable histological changes and downregulated fertility-related genes (CDK2, Spem1, Fbxo47, and Tet1). Treatment with the plant extracts, especially at higher concentrations, significantly (P < 0.05) reversed these adverse effects, improved antioxidant status, and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α levels. These findings emphasize the potential applications of A. officinalis and Corn Silk extracts as natural toxicological agents, particularly for mitigating formaldehyde-induced reproductive toxicity. Additionally, their prospective role in fertility treatment underscores their potential to support reproductive health through natural, plant-based interventions.