Molecular Signatures of Bisphenol A Mediated Sperm Dysfunction and the Mitigating Roleof Ashwagandha in an Experimental Model

Abstract

Objective: To evaluated the effects of chronic Bisphenol A exposure and the protective role of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha).

Study Design: Experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Najaf, Iraq from 1st January 2026 to 31st March 2026.

Methods: The forty adult male Wistar rats was divided into four groups included control, Bisphenol A (50 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), Ashwagandha (300 mg/kg/day, orally), and Bisphenol A + Ashwagandha for 60 days. At the end of study sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and testicular expression of Ahr, Adgb, Arl2bp, Dnali1, Qrich2, and Cfap157was assessed.

Results: The Bisphenol A reduced significantly in sperm motility, morphology, concentration, and viability, increased DNA fragmentation, and down regulated spermatogenesis that related genes while the Ashwagandha markedly improved sperm quality, which reduced DNA damage, and restored gene expression toward normal levels.

Conclusion: Ashwagandha protects against Bisphenol A induced sperm dysfunction by reducing oxidative/genotoxic stress and supporting transcriptional pathways essential for spermatogenesis.