Advances in mitigating benzoapyrene-induced male reproductive toxicity with natural antioxidants and herbal compounds

Benzoapyrene (BaP), a representative congener of persistent environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is ubiquitously present across various environmental media and the food chain. It has been demonstrated to exert significant detrimental effects on the male reproductive systems of diverse mammalian species, including humans, rats, and mice. Studies have demonstrated that natural antioxidants, including resveratrol, quercetin, lycopene, vitamin E, and the traditional Chinese medicine formula Yishen Tongluo, effectively mitigate BaP-induced male reproductive damage. These protective effects, mediated primarily through antioxidant mechanisms and actions on distinct molecular targets, encompass the inhibition of germ cell apoptosis, normalization of testosterone levels, increased sperm density and motility, and reduced sperm deformity rates. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress on the antagonistic effects of these agents against BaP-induced male reproductive toxicity. It aims to provide theoretical support for elucidating their underlying mechanisms and developing potential intervention strategies, while also highlighting existing limitations in mechanistic understanding and application scope.