Effects of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) Fruit Extract on Spermatozoa Concentration through StAR Protein Expression in Mice (Mus musculus)

Efectos del extracto de melón amargo (Momordica charantia L.) sobre la concentración de espermatozoides a través de la expresión de la proteína StAR en ratones (Mus musculus)

Resumen

Background: Rapid population growth remains a major challenge in many developing countries, including Indonesia. trengthening family planning programs requires greater male participation and the availability of acceptable male contraceptive options. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.), widely distributed in Indonesia, has been traditionally used in several Asian and African communities and may have antifertility potential. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) fruit extract on spermatozoa concentration and testicular StAR protein expression in male mice, and to examine whether StAR expression mediates the extract’s effect on spermatozoa concentration.