The Role of Anethole in Reproductive Physiology and In Vitro Biotechnologies—A Review

TL;DR

Anethole, a plant compound, shows potential to improve in vitro reproductive technologies by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing cell development.

Contribution

This review highlights anethole's novel role in modulating pathways to improve in vitro reproductive outcomes.

Findings

Anethole modulates key pathways in reproductive physiology.

It improves outcomes in in vitro follicle culture and oocyte maturation.

Anethole may enhance in vitro embryo culture by reducing oxidative stress.

Abstract

In vitro reproductive biotechnologies show promise for fertility preservation but still face challenges, including oxidative stress from high oxygen tension, which impairs cell viability and development. Antioxidants have been widely explored to attenuate oxidative stress during culture. Among them, anethole, a plant‐derived phenylpropanoid, stands out for its promising properties. This review explores the mechanisms and applications of anethole in reproductive physiology and its potential to enhance in vitro reproductive systems. Findings indicate that anethole modulates key pathways and may improve outcomes in in vitro follicle culture, oocyte in vitro maturation and in vitro embryo culture. These insights support future research and the strategic inclusion of anethole in reproductive biotechnology protocols.

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