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1 2Abdul Kadhar , Milind V Bhutkar
INTRODUCTION :
ale infertility, with its clinical and
psychosocial implications, poses Ma significant challenge to the
physician and to the society as a whole.
According to the International Committee for
M o n i t o r i n g A s s i s t e d R e p r o d u c t i v e
Technology, World Health Organization
(WHO), infertility is a disease of reproductive
system defined by failure to achieve the
clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of 1regular unprotected sexual intercourse. In
2-4humans, it accounts for 40–50% of infertility
and affects approximately 7% of all men.
Sexual dysfunction in men can be explained as
the failure to accomplish normal sexual
intercourse, inability to respond to erectile
stimuli or sustain an erection, retarded
ejaculation, decreased libido, altered sexual 5behavior. Males with sperm parameters
below the WHO normal values are considered 6to have male factor infertility. The most
significant of these are low sperm
concentration (oligospermia), poor sperm
motility, and abnormal sperm morphology.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Infertility and impaired sexual dysfunctions have been a concern through ages which
affects 15% of the couples globally and males are solely responsible for 20 to 30% of the
infertility cases. Modern treatment approaches to curb infertility are expensive and long
term treatment possesses various side effects. The causes of male infertility can range from
various factors including quantitative and qualitative decline of semen.
Material and Methods:
Use of herbal medicines has always fascinated physicians and researchers in combating
infertility. Various review articles and original articles related to this area of research were
referred. This review focuses on the Ayurvedic medicinal plants which boost male
reproductive health relating to some important scientifically proven herbs which have
been reported to enhance male infertility.
Medicinal Herbs in the Treatment of Male Infertility
A Review
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.31975/NJBMS.2019.10014
Corresponding Author:
Abdul Kadhar, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Al-Azhar Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital,
Thodupuzha, Ezhalloor Road, Kumaramangalam, Idukki District, PIN 685608, Kerala, India email: abduphysio@gmail.com
Review Article
1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Al-Azhar Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital,
Thodupuzha, Ezhalloor Road,, Idukki District, PIN 685608, Kerala, India2Dean and Professor, Department of physiology, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College
and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, Salem, Tamilnadu,India
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Abdul Kadhar, et.al : Herbs in treatment of male infertility
Other factors less well associated with
infertility include semen volume and other
seminal markers of epididymal, prostatic, and 7
seminal vesicle function. As high as 90% of
male infertility problems are related to count
and there is a positive association between the
abnormal semen parameters and sperm 8count. Male infertility is commonly due to
deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is
used as a substitute measure of male fertility.
Various synthetic products are available in the
global market with quick remedial claims. But
most of them are associated with suppressing 9symptoms and side effects. Thereby people
are keen in focusing back to herbal and
ayurvedic aphrodisiacs having the holistic
approach to cure male fertility problems.
Causes of male infertility :
It can range from hormonal or neuronal
imbalances, reproductive tissue disordering
to qualitative and quantitative deterioration of
semen. Oxidative stress induced by reactive
oxygen species is a causative factor in male 10-11infertility. Malnutrition and nutrient
deficiencies form another cause for infertility.
Some of behavioural aspects that cause
infertility are as follows Overheating
excessive heat from saunas, hot tubs, etc. may
decrease sperm production and lower sperm
count. Chain Smoking, smoking cigarettes
may impair male fertility since it is known to
reduce sperm count and sperm lifespan.
Drugs- the use of cocaine and heavy marijuana
(REF) is known to reduce sperm count by 12-1450%. Excessive alcohol consumption-
alcohol is toxic to sperm and may reduce
sperm count and quality. Environmental
toxins, radiation and heavy metals - a number
of environmental factors, such as exposure to
toxins or chemicals, can reduce sperm count
either by affecting testicular function directly 14or by affecting the hormone system. Over
weight or Obesity many studies found
association between low sperm count and
obesity in men. Stress and excessive physical
or mental exertion - these can cause some
hormonal changes in the body that can affect
sperm count and fertility.
Herbs in enhancing male fertility :
Medicinal plants, since times immemorial,
have been used in virtually all cultures as a
source of medicine. The traditional Indian
medicine with its evolution through centuries
has always fascinated practitioners and
researchers for its applications in treatment on
a scientifically proven research background.
Fertility regulation with plant preparations
has been reported in ancient literature of
indigenous systems of medicine. The herbal
drugs can be classified in varied ways, and one
such simplified classification according to
their functions on male reproductive health is 15.
as follows Herbs increasing the volume of
semen or stimulating semen production, for
example, Polygonatum verticillatum, Mucuna
pruriens, Microstylis wallichii, Roscoea
procera, and Asparagus racemosus. Herbs
cleansing and improving semen quality, for
example, Vetiveria zizanioides, Myrica
Sesamum indicum, and Anthocephalus
cadamba. Herbs revitalizing ejaculatory
functions, for example, Strychnos nux vomica,
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Abdul Kadhar, et.al : Herbs in treatment of male infertility
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63
Myristica fragrans, Cannabis sativa, and
Cassia occidentalis. Herbs improving
sustenance and ejaculatory performance, for
example, Cinnamomum tamala, Anacyclus
pyrethrum, Sida cordifolia, Asparagus
racemosus, Mucuna pruriens, and Cannabis
sativum. Herbs increasing libido, namely
Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera,
Datura stramonium, Anacyclus pyrethrum,
Hibiscus abelmoschus. Common herbs which
were studied scientifically and reported to
possess fertility enhancing actions by
improving sperm quality, volume, and
hormonal levels and by influencing various
aspects of reproductive functions are listed
below.
CONCLUSION :
Various herbs have been used by people of
different cultures to treat conditions of male
infertility. Herbal medicine provides better
sustenance to the reproductive organ to
revitalize the quality and quantity of the same.
Some herbs have both boosting as well as
nourishing properties. Owing to the health
complications, high cost of modern treatment
for male infertility, the herbals are regaining
more acceptance and laying their long-term
impact on male reproductive health by
improving sexual behavior, stamina,
neuroendocrine control as well as structural
and functional aspects of reproductive organs,
qualitative and quantitative enhancement in
semen and also sperm morphology and
motility. Medical research should penetrate
deeper to emerge with more hidden
mechanisms by which countless herbs may act
to eliminate male infertility which is becoming
a major threat to upcoming offspring.
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RECEIVED: 24.10.2019 REVISED: 26.10.2019 ACCEPTED: 05.11.2019
Abdul Kadhar, et.al : Herbs in treatment of male infertility
National Journal of Basic Medical Sciences | Volume 10 | Issue 2 | 2019