Croton grewioides essential oil and anethole reduce oxidative stress and improve growth of bovine primordial follicles during culture of ovarian tissue.

This article investigates the effects of Croton grewioides essential oil (CGEO) and its main component, anethole, on follicle survival, growth, and oxidative stress in cultured bovine ovarian tissues. The study found that supplementation with 1 µg/mL of either CGEO or anethole improved follicle survival and development, increased stromal cell density, and enhanced collagen production in vitro. CGEO increased thiol levels and reduced mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), while anethole increased CAT enzyme activity but decreased mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), CAT, and PRDX6. These findings suggest that CGEO and anethole modulate oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme expression, potentially supporting follicular health during in vitro culture of bovine ovarian tissues.