scholarly journals A Systematic Review on Use of Medicinal Plants for Male Infertility Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasibeh Roozbeh ◽  
Azam Amirian ◽  
Fatemeh Abdi ◽  
Simin Haghdoost
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Positive Effects

Objective: Male infertility is involved in about half of the casess of infertility and the only sole reason for infertility in 20%-30% of the cases. Following the recent interest in the use of medicinal plants, scientists have sought to clarify their effects on male fertility. This review aimed to summarize the results of studies available to determine the effectiveness, safety and mechanism of herbal treatments in the improvement of male fertility. Materials and methods: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published during 2000-2020. Studies were only included if they adhered to the CONSORT checklist. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Finally, 20 studies recruiting a total of 1519 individuals were reviewed. These studies compared the effects of eleven different medicinal plants, i.e. ginseng, saffron, Nigella sativa, palm pollen, ADOFON, TOPALAF, sesame, and Mucuna pruriens, on male fertility with those of placebo. All studies (except one) confirmed the beneficial effects of medicinal plants on the improvement of sperm and reproductive parameters and thus male infertility. Conclusion: The existing RCTs indicated the positive effects of medicinal plants on male fertility. Therefore, in order to develop a novel approach to the treatment of male infertility, further clinical trials are warranted to determine the maximum dosage and duration of treatment with herbal medicines and evaluate any potential side effects of such interventions.

Effectiveness of Multimodal Training on Functional Capacity in Frail Older People: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Lopez ◽  
Mikel Izquierdo ◽  
Regis Radaelli ◽  
Graciele Sbruzzi ◽  
Rafael Grazioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Maximum Strength ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Multimodal Training

In this meta-analysis, we investigated the effect of resistance training (RT) alone or included in a multimodal training on physical frailty outcomes, and whether different variables of RT prescription affect these outcomes. We identified 15 relevant studies searching through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro database. Postintervention standardized mean difference scores were computed and combined using fixed effects meta-analysis. Analyses have shown positive effects of interventions on maximum strength, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go test. Further analyses have shown significant greater effect of shorter periods on maximum strength. Regarding RT prescription, percentage of one-repetition maximum showed significant effect on physical variables, whereas RT based on rate of perceived effort presented lower effect in the Timed Up and Go test. Although multimodal training is an effective intervention to increase physical capacity, caution should be taken regarding the period and the method to control RT intensity to optimize enhancements in frail older people.

Antiviral and Immunity-modulating Natural Herbs in the Prevention of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 81-94
Author(s):  
Sonali S Gadge
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Tinospora Cordifolia ◽  
Ocimum Sanctum

The COVID-19 has spread all over the world and there is no single drug or medicine for the prevention and the treatment of this deadly disease. One can get prevention from this disease by boosting the immune system. Persons with weak immune system e.g. children, elder patients or patients with preexisting diseases affect rapidly due to coronavirus. This novel coronavirus attacks mainly on the person immunity. For the centuries the herbal medicinal plants have many beneficial effects against deadly viruses. Herbal medicines provide a rich resource for new antiviral drug development. These natural agents interact with the life cycle of virus such as virus entry, replication, assembly and release. In this review, the importance, immunomodulator, antiviral and pharmacological activities of some medicinal plants, namely, Allium Sativum, Zingiber Officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginseng, Black pepper, Emblica officinalis, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Azadirachta indica, Piper betel, Eugenia caryophyllata, Cinchona calisaya, Nigella sativa, Cuminum cyminum are highlighted. These medicinal plants have many phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, lactones, polysaccharides, volatile oils, tannins, resins, etc which are helpful for boosting immunity and will help in the prevention and in the management of COVID-19. Several types of research attempted to use herbal medicines against COVID-19.

scholarly journals l-carnitine and l-acetylcarnitine supplementation for idiopathic male infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-81
Author(s):  
Shen Chuen Khaw ◽  
Zhen Zhe Wong ◽  
Richard Anderson ◽  
Sarah Martins da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
The Body ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Reactive Oxidative Species ◽  
Idiopathic Male Infertility ◽  
Oxidative Species

Fifteen percent of couples are globally estimated to be infertile, with up to half of these cases attributed to male infertility. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) are known to damage sperm leading to impaired quantity and quality. Although not routinely assessed, oxidative stress is a common underlying pathology in infertile men. Antioxidants have been shown to improve semen analysis parameters by reducing ROS and facilitating repair of damage caused by oxidative stress, but it remains unclear whether they improve fertility. Carnitines are naturally occurring antioxidants in mammals and are normally abundant in the epididymal luminal fluid of men. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of carnitine supplementation for idiopathic male infertility. We searched ClinicalKey, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and ScienceDirect for relevant studies published from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2020. Of the articles retrieved, only eight randomised controlled trials were identified and included. Analysis showed that carnitines significantly improve total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility and sperm morphology, but without effect on sperm concentration. There was no demonstrable effect on clinical pregnancy rate in the five studies that included that outcome, although patient numbers were limited. Therefore, the use of carnitines in male infertility appears to improve some sperm parameters but without evidence of an increase in the chance of natural conception. Lay summary Although male infertility affects 1:15 men, there is no obvious reason in the vast majority of cases. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) are highly active molecules containing oxygen and are natural byproducts of normal metabolism. However, high concentrations of ROS have been shown to damage sperm, which negatively impacts a couple’s ability to conceive. Carnitines are natural antioxidants found in the body that counterbalance the damaging effects of ROS. We conducted a comprehensive review of published studies to assess whether carnitine supplements are safe and effective in improving sperm quality and pregnancy rates. Our analysis shows that carnitines improve sperm swimming and production of normal-shaped sperm cells but do not affect sperm count or pregnancy rates, although there are only a few studies and scientific evidence is limited. Whilst it is possible that carnitines may benefit male infertility, more evidence is required regarding chances of pregnancy after carnitine therapy.

scholarly journals Dietary Modification for Reproductive Health in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujie Shang ◽  
Huifang Zhou ◽  
Ruohan He ◽  
Wentian Lu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity

ObjectiveDiet has been reported as the first-line management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the relationship between diet and fertility in PCOS is still controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether diet could promote reproductive health in women with PCOS while providing evidence-based nutrition advice for clinical practice.MethodsSeven databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and some Chinese database, were searched up to January 31, 2021. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of diet in women with PCOS were included. Based on a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42019140454), the systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two reviewers made study selection, data extraction and bias assessment independently. Risk ratios and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals were assessed by a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity within comparisons was evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and quantified by the I-squared (I2) statistic.ResultsTwenty RCTs with 1113 participants were included. Results showed diet significantly related to improved fertility outcomes (increasing clinical pregnancy, ovulation and menstrual regularity rate; reducing miscarriage rate), reproductive endocrine [increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); decreasing Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), free androgen index (FAI), total testosterone (T)] and clinical hyperandrogenism (hirsutism assessed by Ferriman-Gallwey score) in PCOS. Specifically, subgroup analyses indicated low-carbohydrate diets were superior in optimizing reproductive outcomes and calorie restriction was critical in ameliorating hyperandrogenism. Additionally, the positive effects were associated with the treatment duration. The longer the duration, the greater the improvement was.ConclusionOverall, diet is an effective intervention for improving fertility health, thus professional and dynamic dietary advice should be offered to all PCOS patients, based on the changeable circumstances, personal needs and expectations of the individuals.

Treatment of Human Infertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-164
Author(s):  
Ravi Kumar ◽  
Girendra Kumar Gautam ◽  
Sweta Pundir ◽  
Shafqat Zaidi ◽  
Chhavi Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Tubal Ligation ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Entire World ◽  
Male Factors

The human infertility is a major problem at this time in entire world. Some important factors that responsible for this cause like as Daily routine, Food contents, less physical activity etc. About 40% infertility cases count due to male factors. The spermatogenetic failure is one of the major causes of male infertility while the in female infertility is due to Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine problems, previous tubal ligation, Endometriosis etc. A number of medicinal plants used in the treatment of this disorder. So in this review, we have summarized most of the data dealing with the positive effects of plant extracts on spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Correction of Breech Presentation with Moxibustion and Acupuncture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Jian-An Liao ◽  
Shih-Chieh Shao ◽  
Chian-Ting Chang ◽  
Pony Yee-Chee Chai ◽  
Kok-Loon Owang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Breech Presentation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Central Register

Acupuncture-type interventions (such as moxibustion and acupuncture) at Bladder 67 (BL67, Zhiyin point) have been proposed to have positive effects on breech presentation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion and acupuncture in correcting breech presentation. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese Electronic Periodical Services (CEPS), and databases at ClinicalTrials.gov to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In this study, sixteen RCTs involving 2555 participants were included. Compared to control, moxibustion significantly increased cephalic presentation at birth (RR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.21–1.58). Moxibustion also seemed to elicit better clinical outcomes in the Asian population (RR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.21–1.67) than in the non-Asian population (RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.01–1.43). The effects of acupuncture on correcting breech presentation after sensitivity analysis were inconsistent relative to control. The effect of moxibustion plus acupuncture was synergistic for correcting breech presentation (RR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.26–1.86) in one RCT. Our findings suggest that moxibustion therapy has positive effects on correcting breech presentation, especially in the Asian population.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis in Preventing Deep Venous Thrombosis after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hetao Huang ◽  
Jianke Pan ◽  
Yanhong Han ◽  
Lingfeng Zeng ◽  
Guihong Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Blood Circulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Blood Stasis ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Chinese Herbal

Aim and Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicines for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBSM) in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and Methods: The Databases were searched for studies comparing the preventive abilities of PBCRBSM and Western medicine, such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), rivaroxaban, and aspirin, as well as for randomized controlled trials on DVT after THA. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 3254 randomized controlled trials were included, including 1630 cases in the experimental group and 1624 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that compared with Western medicine, PBCRBSM reduced the incidence of DVT (OR=0.38, 95% CI [0.30, 0.48], P < 0.001); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (SMD=0.44, 95% CI [0.35, 0.53], P < 0.001); reduced D-dimer (SMD=-0.75, 95% CI [-0.84，-0.65], P < 0.001), FIB (SMD=-0.61, 95% CI [-0.72, -0.50], P < 0.001), blood viscosity (P<0.01), circumference difference in lower extremities (P<0.01), venous blood flow velocity (SMD=0.97, 95% CI [0.77, 1.16], P < 0.001), and drainage volume (SMD=-1.53, 95% CI [-1.71, -1.35], P < 0.001); and reduced adverse reactions (OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.19, 0.56], P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in prolonging prothrombin time (PT) between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.0.01). 3, 0.16], P > 0.05. Conclusion: PBCRBSM is an effective method for preventing DVT after THA and has fewer adverse effects.

The mechanisms involved in obesity-induced male infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Heydari ◽  
Rafighe Ghiasi ◽  
Saber Ghaderpour ◽  
Rana Keyhanmanesh
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Metabolic Disease ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Disease Development ◽  
Significant Evidence ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Introduction: Obesity resulted by imbalance between the intake of energy and energy consumption can lead to growth and metabolic disease development in people. Both in obese men and animal models, several studies indicate that obesity leads to male infertility. Objective: This review has discussed some mechanisms involved in obesity-induced male infertility. Method: Online documents were searched through Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar websites dating from 1959 to recognize studies on obesity, kisspeptin, leptin, and infertility. Results: Obesity induced elevated inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress can affect male reproductive functions including spermatogenesis disorders, reduced male fertility power and hormones involved in hypothalamus-pituitarygonadal axis. Conclusion: There is significant evidence that obesity resulted in male infertility. obesity has negative effect on male reproductive function via several mechanisms such as inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effective Parental intervention strategies to reduce screen time among preschool-aged children: A systematic review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Raj ◽  
Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat ◽  
Nor Afiah Mohd. Zulkefli ◽  
Norliza Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Parental Intervention

BACKGROUND The increasing screen time exposure among young children in general and the reported negative consequences associated with excessive ST, calls for focused strategies to reduce ST, especially among young children. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify effective parental intervention strategies to reduce ST among preschool children. METHODS A total of five databases, namely Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Medline Complete, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched for randomised controlled trials that involved intervention strategies in ST reduction among preschool children. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were used. RESULTS A total of nine studies were assessed. The results showed that besides providing knowledge and awareness regarding ST, having restrictive practices, offering alternative activities to parents, and removal of screen from child’s bedroom were the most common strategies used by studies that reported successful intervention. Intervention duration of between six to eight weeks was sufficient to produce ST reduction. Face-to-face method was the commonest mode of delivery. Theoretical constructs that aimed at increasing parental self-efficacy, listing outcome expectations, and offering reinforcement of strategies that targeted both the parents and home environment were beneficial in reducing ST. CONCLUSIONS By offering appropriate strategies to parents, a reduction in the amount of ST was observed among the children. Future intervention studies could benefit in exploring culturally adapted strategies, especially in developing countries. Trials of higher quality would also facilitate the drawing of conclusions in future research. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO No: CRD42020199398

scholarly journals Effect of gut microbiota modulation on feeding tolerance of enterally fed critically ill adult patients: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Najmeh Seifi ◽  
Ali Jafarzadeh Esfahani ◽  
Alireza Sedaghat ◽  
Reza Rezvani ◽  
Majid Khadem-Rezaiyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Clinical Endpoints ◽  
Feeding Tolerance

Abstract Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics on feeding tolerance of enterally fed critically ill adult patients. Methods MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to November 2019. English language randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of pre, pro or synbiotics on the feeding tolerance of enterally fed critically ill adult patients were included. Results Overall, 15 papers were selected for review. Among six studies reporting the energy intake, only two studies showed significantly higher energy intake in the prebiotic-receiving groups. Among four RCTs reporting frequency or time to achieve the target calorie, only one found a significant effect of probiotics to reduce the time to achieve a target dose of calorie. About the prevalence or duration of diarrhea, 7 out of 12 RCTs reported a beneficial effect. All but one study found no beneficial effects for gut microbiota manipulation on clinical endpoints including length of stay (LOS) in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU). Conclusion It should be noticed that the heterogeneity in study designs, product format, and ICU patient populations makes it difficult to draw any general conclusion. Overall, it seems that pre, pro, or synbiotics have no significant beneficial effect on feeding tolerance and clinical endpoints in critically ill adults, but they may reduce the prevalence or duration of diarrhea.

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