THE RESEARCH | Arugula protects sperm:here's why

Research by the Universities of Padua and Jendouba has discovered that arugula contains very high quantities of antioxidants and can therefore protect spermatozoa from the toxic effects of Bpa.

ROME – Not just melting glaciers and drought, climate change and pollution risk having their devastating effects on the fertility of young people too, as announced a few days ago in Rome by the study "The environmental impact on male fertility" organized by L'Altritalia Ambiente and Ecofoodfertility.A disturbing scenario, to which an answer can come from the rocket.This was stated by the Consortium of Rucola della Piana del Sele PGI.

The rocket, in fact, protects sperm cells from chemical additives in foods and drinks.This has been demonstrated by studies conducted by University of Padua and Jendouba (Tunisia).Researchers have discovered that bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical additive of synthetic origin that improves the mechanical characteristics of the materials used for plastic bottles, coffee capsules and food coatings, affects cellular functions, accelerating the production of free radicals.The presence of BPA in food, therefore, can compromise the vitality of sperm and slow down their motility.
Research on arugula has shown that this plant contains very high quantities of antioxidants capable of inactivating free radicals.Analyzes on sperm have also shown that rocket can counteract the toxic effects of BPA on sperm cells, precisely through its antioxidant action.According to scholars, “rocket extract can represent a real nutraceutical aid for the treatment of male infertility or in the preparation of spermatozoa during medically assisted procreation techniques”.

Additional help may come from the project that brings together the Rucola della Piana del Sele PGI Consortium, three pilot agricultural companies, the Saccone foundation and ENG4LIFE, a spin-off of the University of Salerno, which aims to extract 4-methylthio butyl isothiocyanate, better known as 'erucin', an active ingredient with exceptional anti-hypertensive and vasodilatory properties.
The Sele Plain is the subject of research coordinated by Luigi Montano, andrologist from the Salerno Local Health Authority, who for years, with a vast network of researchers from various hospital, university and research centres, has been systematically biomonitoring the quality of the semen of very young people healthy in relation to the presence of environmental pollutants and their effects in various Italian areas with high pollution rates.A research that confirms the low rate of pollution in the Sele Valley in Salerno, unlike other areas of the South and North.

“We are increasingly convinced - declares Vito Busillo, president of the Rucola PGI Consortium - that the valorisation of this extraordinary herb is closely related to environmental sustainability.And the positive data on our Piana del Sele proves it.For years we have been focusing on agriculture 4.0, on electric motors under greenhouses, on sustainable agronomic practices and on water saving.Scientific studies confirm that our rocket is a superfood, a panacea for health and fertility, suitable for all eating styles."