Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility
2011

Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility

Sample size: 121 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mahdi Abbas Ali, Shukla Kamla Kant, Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem, Rajender Singh, Shankhwar Satya Narain, Singh Vishwajeet, Dalela Deepansh

Primary Institution: C.S.M. Medical University, Lucknow

Hypothesis

The study aims to understand the role of stress in male infertility and to test the ability of Withania somnifera to combat stress and treat male infertility.

Conclusion

The treatment with Withania somnifera improved semen quality and resulted in pregnancy in the partners of 14% of the patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Treatment with Withania somnifera significantly improved sperm concentration and motility.
  • 14% of the patients' partners achieved pregnancy after treatment.
  • Stress was shown to negatively impact male fertility.

Takeaway

This study found that a plant called Withania somnifera can help men who are stressed and having trouble having babies by improving their sperm quality.

Methodology

The study involved 121 men divided into groups based on their infertility causes, who were treated with 5 g/day of Withania somnifera root powder for 3 months, with various semen and biochemical parameters measured before and after treatment.

Potential Biases

Potential bias may arise from self-reported stress levels and the lack of a placebo group.

Limitations

The study excluded participants with certain medical conditions and those on medications that could influence oxidative stress and cortisol levels.

Participant Demographics

Men aged between 25 and 38 years, including normozoospermic infertile men, heavy smokers, and those under psychological stress.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/nep138

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