scholarly journals Effect ofLepidium meyeniiWalp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Melnikovova ◽  
Tomas Fait ◽  
Michaela Kolarova ◽  
Eloy C. Fernandez ◽  
Luigi Milella
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Adult ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Lepidium Meyenii ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Serum Hormone

Background/Aims.Products ofLepidium meyeniiWalp. (maca) are touted worldwide as an alimentary supplement to enhance fertility and restore hormonal balance. Enhancing properties of maca on semen parameters in animals were previously reported by various authors, but we present to the best of our knowledge the first double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial in men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maca on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men.Methods.A group of 20 volunteers aged 20–40 years was supplied by milled hypocotyl of maca or placebo (1.75 g/day) for 12 weeks. Negative controls of semen were compared to the samples after 6 and 12 weeks of maca administration; negative blood controls were compared to the samples after 12 weeks of treatment.Results.Sperm concentration and motility showed rising trends compared to placebo even though levels of hormones did not change significantly after 12 weeks of trial.Conclusion.Our results indicate that maca possesses fertility enhancing properties in men. As long as men prefer to use alimentary supplement to enhance fertility rather than prescribed medication or any medical intervention, it is worth continuing to assess its possible benefits.

scholarly journals The relationship between serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone) and semen parameters

2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Zeynel Keskin ◽  
Salih Budak ◽  
Tuǧba Zeyrek ◽  
Orçun Çelik ◽  
Oguz Mertoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serum Hormone ◽  
Serum Gonadotropin

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two patients that applied to a male infertility polyclinic were included in our study. Serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels and semen parameters of the patients were analyzed during the first visit to the clinic. The reference FSH value was 1.5-12.4 mIU/mL, that of LH was 1.7-8.6 mIU/mL and the reference value for total testosterone was 249-836 ng/dL. Results: While there was no statistically significant difference between the patients with low gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding any of the semen parameters (p > 0.05), there was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with high gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding sperm concentration (p = 0.000), total motility (p = 0.000), progressive motility (p = 0.000), and morphology (p = 0.000). There was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with low testosterone levels and the controls regarding total motility (p = 0.012) and progressive motility (p = 0.010), and a weak statistically significant difference in morphology (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in semen volume or sperm concentration (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in any of the semen parameters between the patients with high testosterone levels and the controls (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings especially regarding LH and T levels are not in agreement with previous reports. In this regard, there is a need for larger-scale and randomized trials to resolve this discrepancy.

scholarly journals Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay R. Ambiye ◽  
Deepak Langade ◽  
Swati Dongre ◽  
Pradnya Aptikar ◽  
Madhura Kulkarni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Serum Hormone

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been described in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the spermatogenic activity of Ashwagandha root extract in oligospermic patients. Forty-six male patients with oligospermia (sperm count < 20 million/mL semen) were enrolled and randomized either to treatment (n=21) with a full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha (675 mg/d in three doses for 90 days) or to placebo (n=25) in the same protocol. Semen parameters and serum hormone levels were estimated at the end of 90-day treatment. There was a 167% increase in sperm count (9.59 ± 4.37 × 106/mL to 25.61 ± 8.6 × 106/mL;P<0.0001), 53% increase in semen volume (1.74 ± 0.58 mL to 2.76 ± 0.60 mL;P<0.0001), and 57% increase in sperm motility (18.62 ± 6.11% to 29.19 ± 6.31%;P<0.0001) on day 90 from baseline. The improvement in these parameters was minimal in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. The present study adds to the evidence on the therapeutic value of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as attributed in Ayurveda for the treatment of oligospermia leading to infertility.

scholarly journals Effects of coadministration of DHA and vitamin E on spermatogram, seminal oxidative stress, and sperm phospholipids in asthenozoospermic men: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghazaleh Eslamian ◽  
Naser Amirjannati ◽  
Nazanin Noori ◽  
Mohammad-Reza Sadeghi ◽  
Azita Hekmatdoost
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Double Blind

ABSTRACT Background It is unknown which compounds in spermatozoa or seminal plasma may be involved in the regulation of sperm motility. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA (22:6n–3), vitamin E, and their probable interactions in men with asthenozoospermia. Methods A factorial, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran. The participants were idiopathic asthenozoospermic men aged 20–45 y, with normal endocrine function. Their concentration of spermatozoa and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were equal to or above the lower reference limits, according to the fifth edition of the WHO guideline. Out of 717 men referred to the infertility clinics, 180 asthenozoospermic men were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups according to stratified blocked randomization by age and sperm concentration. Participants took daily 465 mg DHA plus 600 IU vitamin E (DE), 465 mg DHA plus placebo (DP), 600 IU vitamin E plus placebo (EP), or both placebo capsules (PP) for 12 wk. Sperm characteristics, oxidative stress of seminal plasma, serum and sperm membrane fatty acids, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity were measured at baseline and after 12 wk. Results After the intervention, mean ± SD sperm progressive motility was greater in the DE group (27.9 ± 2.8) than in the DP (25.7 ± 3.4), EP (26.1 ± 2.8), and PP (25.8 ± 2.6) groups (P &lt; 0.05). Sperm count (P = 0.001) and concentration (P = 0.044) increased significantly in the DE group compared with the other 3 groups, whereas other semen parameters were not significantly different between the groups after the intervention. Serum concentrations of n–3 PUFAs were significantly higher in the DE and DP groups than in the EP and PP groups. Conclusions Combined DHA and vitamin E supplements led to increased sperm motility; however, no significant changes occurred in sperm morphology and vitality in asthenozoospermic men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01846325.

scholarly journals Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men

2003 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
GF Gonzales ◽  
A Cordova ◽  
K Vega ◽  
A Chung ◽  
A Villena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Reproductive Hormone ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Lepidium Meyenii ◽  
The Times ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Different Doses

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day). Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.

scholarly journals Effects of Oral Administration of Lepidium meyenii on Morphology of Mice Testis and Motility of Epididymal Sperm Cells After Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelaide Greco ◽  
Chiara Del Prete ◽  
Davide De Biase ◽  
Veronica Palumbo ◽  
Sandra Albanese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Administration ◽  
Histological Examination ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Seminiferous Epithelium ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Lepidium Meyenii ◽  
Before And After

Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration is associated with testicular damage and reduced semen quality. Oral administration of Lepidium Meyenii (maca) improves spermatogenesis and sperm motility and count and reduces spermatogenic damage.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of THC, maca, and their combination on testicular tissue and semen parameters.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six-week-old male mice were classified into control, THC, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. The mice were subjected to Eco Color Doppler ultrasound examination of the testicles before and after treatment. After euthanasia, the epididymis, testes, liver, and kidney were collected for histological examination. For morphometry of the testis, tubular diameters and seminiferous epithelium height were measured. Sperm concentration and sperm motilities were assessed. Differences among the groups were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc test.Results: In all the groups, there were no significant changes in testicular morphology before and after treatment. Histological assessment of the testes showed no alterations in control, no significant alterations in Maca, mild to moderate alterations in THC, and mild alterations in THC + Maca groups. Histological examination of the other organs showed no significant differences among the groups. Tubular diameter showed significantly increased thickening for THC and THC + Maca compared with that for Maca and control. Moreover, seminiferous epithelium height decreased for THC compared with that in the control, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. No statistically significant reduction in the spermatogenic index was observed for THC compared with that for Maca and THC + Maca. Epididymal cross-sections of the groups showed no significant alterations. Sperm concentration and motility were higher for control and THC + Maca groups than in group THC and Maca.Conclusion:In vivo maca administration reduced the deleterious effect of THC on testicular parenchyma and semen production.

scholarly journals Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to reproductive parameters in young men

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Kiwitt Cárdeas ◽  
J Mendiola Olivares ◽  
E Adoamnei ◽  
J J Arense-Gonzalo ◽  
A M Torres Cantero
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sugar Sweetened Beverage ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Sweetened Beverage ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Estradiol Levels

Abstract Background There has been a decrease in male fertility in recent years. During the same period, there were important dietary changes, including an increase in sugar-sweetened beverage intake (SSB). The relation between SSB and male reproduction functions in humans are barely described in the literature. Methods Cross-sectional study with 209 participants (18-23 years old) recruited during one year in Murcia, Spain. All men provided semen and blood sample the same day. SSB consumption was evaluated using a 101-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Reproductive hormones were analyzed from serum samples, obtaining levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T). The evaluation of semen analysis consisted of seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percentage of morphologically normal sperm and percentage of motile sperm. SSB intake association with semen parameters and hormone levels were examined using linear regression, adjusting for possible confounders. Results Men in the highest quartile of the SSB intake had higher percentage of morphologically normal sperm, 37,4% [6.1, 68.3] than men in the lowest quartile (P, trend= 0.047) and higher estradiol levels than those in the first quartile (9,5% [-3.5, 22.5] (P, trend=0.047)). SSB intake was unrelated to other semen quality parameters or reproductive hormone levels. Conclusions Our results indicate that sperm morphology and estradiol levels may be associated with sugar-sweetened beverage intake. These findings might be explained by physiological metabolism homeostasis, though more studies are required to confirm these results and draw conclusions in other male populations. Key messages Fertility is an increasing Public Health Problem. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake is increasing amongst the population.

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