Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, poses a significant threat to sperm quality during storage. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of cinnamon extract, a natural antioxidant, on ram sperm quality during liquid storage at 4°C. METHODS: Semen samples from 10 rams were collected, diluted and divided into five treatment groups. Each group received different concentrations of cinnamon extract (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 µL/mL) added to the diluted semen. Sperm quality was evaluated at storage intervals of 1, 24, 48 and 72 h, with all samples maintained at 4°C during the storage period. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that cinnamon extract significantly enhances ram sperm quality during liquid storage at 4°C. Notably, the addition of cinnamon extract, particularly at a concentration of 100 µL/mL, resulted in substantial improvements in progressive motility, total motility, sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity over the storage period. Specifically, after 1 h, the 50 µL/mL group showed a significant increase in progressive motility. At 24 h, both total and progressive motility were significantly higher in the 50, 100 and 150 µL/mL groups. By 48 h, the 50 and 100 µL/mL groups demonstrated significant enhancements in all measured parameters. The optimal results were observed at 72 h, where the 100 µL/mL group exhibited the highest values across all sperm quality metrics. These findings underscore the effectiveness of cinnamon extract as a natural antioxidant for preserving sperm quality during storage. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with cinnamon extract significantly enhances ram sperm quality, with an optimal concentration of 100 µL/mL effectively maintaining sperm viability during 72 h of liquid storage. These results suggest that cinnamon extract may serve as a valuable natural antioxidant for improving sperm preservation in liquid storage conditions.