Reproductive healthcare addresses reproductive processes, functions, and systems at all stages of life. It involves the sexual health of both men and women, as well as maternal and child health. In this sense, the interest in alternative therapies has markedly increased and the use of products of natural origin has become an important tool for the prevention and/or treatment of reproductive disorders. However, their use can have beneficial or adverse effects, and researches are required to exploit these effects. Medicinal plants can negatively affect the reproductive systems of men and women, and if the exposure occurs before and after the conception they can affect the parents as well as the offspring. Despite their possible toxic effects, preclinical studies of reproductive toxicity in the majority of the products derived from plants are still scarce, and research in this area should be encouraged. Moreover, many plant species may be investigated for their therapeutic properties. Some natural products may be used as an alternative medicine for reproductive health as long as their mechanisms and toxicity studies are carefully analyzed. Several species have been used to treat reproductive disorders, such as sexual dysfunction, infertility, and gynecological disorders, among others. Natural compounds with antioxidant properties have also proven to be beneficial in experimental models of reproductive toxicity and may preserve the fertility of patients receiving chemotherapy. Furthermore, many plants are known for their antifertility effects which make them an important source of new contraceptives in males. Thus, new drugs and therapies may be developed through comprehensive investigation of the bioactivity of several natural compounds.

This special issue intends to compile original research and review articles which address the influence of natural products on reproduction. Studies focusing on detecting potential reproductive health hazards of natural products as well as therapeutic effects of these compounds to treat reproductive disorders are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Natural compounds to prevent or minimize the reproductive toxicity induced by drugs
• Natural products and contraception
• Efficacy and selectivity of medicinal plants to the treatment of reproductive disorders
• Toxicity reproductive evaluation after treatment with natural products
• Effects of the exposure to natural compounds during the gestational or lactation period
• Medicinal plants as endocrine disruption
• Toxic versus therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on mother and infant