Ceratonia siliqua L improved cryodamage of asthenozoospermic specimens: An experimental study

Ceratonia Siliqua L: A Natural Compound with Big Impact on Male Reproductive System

Herbal products with antioxidant properties have gained attention for their potential impact on male reproductive health. One such botanical, Ceratonia siliqua (commonly known as carob), has been empirically used by infertile men in Iran and Turkey. Carob, a pod-bearing tree native to the Mediterranean, exhibits promising therapeutic potential for various aspects of male reproductive health. Carob consumption may positively affect sperm count, motility, and morphology in infertile men. The proposed mechanisms involve antioxidant activity, improved blood flow, and enhanced energy production within sperm. Carob's richness in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids might counteract oxidative stress, a major contributor to sperm dysfunction. Carob may influence male sex hormones by potentially stimulating testosterone production and inhibiting estrogen conversion. While carob demonstrates promise as a natural supplement for male fertility, more robust research is necessary to solidify its therapeutic role. This exploration could pave the way for the development of novel dietary or nutraceutical interventions to address male infertility. While preliminary research suggests positive effects on sperm health and potential hormonal influence, robust clinical trials are needed to solidify carob's therapeutic efficacy. This exploration paves the way for future research on carob as a natural supplement and potentially opens doors for novel dietary or nutraceutical interventions to address male infertility.

The Effect of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua) on Sperm Parameters of Infertile Men: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements can increase sperm quality. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence about the effects of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in infertile men. Systematic searches of five databases were conducted from inception to October 20, with the last update on November 20, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements with nonintervention control groups on infertile man. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Summary effect size measures were calculated using a random-effects model estimation and are reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. The analysis included four studies involving 236 infertile men. It was found that sperm motility of infertile men improved after carob intervention (MD:11.30, 95% CI:5.97 to 16.64, Z = 4.15, p < 0.00001), and there was a significant difference compared to control groups. The effect size of carob on semen quantity in infertile men was positive, and the relationship was statistically significant (MD:5.42, 95% CI:1.58 to 9.42, Z = 2.77, p = 0.006). When hormone parameters of infertile men were analyzed, the MDA (malondialdehyde) value decreased compared to the control group (MD = -4.81, 95% CI: -10.18 to 0.56, Z = 1.76, p = 0.08), and there was a significant difference between them. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements was associated with improvement in sperm quality compared with nonintervention control groups in infertile man. However, high-quality, larger RCTs are required to draw more definitive conclusions.

Effect of Carob and Ginseng Supplements on Semen Analysis Parameters, Sexual Function, and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men: Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Background

Infertility is one of the most common problems in the world; there is a growing demand for herbal medicines to treat infertility-related problems.

Materials and Methods

A randomized controlled trial with three groups was conducted, each with 30 participants. The first group was administered 1.5 grams of Carob daily, the second group was administered 1.5 grams of Ginseng daily, and the third group received a placebo. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks, and before and after the intervention, semen parameters, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and sexual function were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire.

Results

The mean (SD) age of participants was 34.83 (6.22), 34.60 (5.78), and 33.67 (5.82) years in Carob, Ginseng, and Placebo groups, respectively. The results showed that in the Carob group, the normal volume of semen (Z 133 = 3.05, p = 0.02) and the normal shape of sperm (Z 134 = 2.97, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group. In the Ginseng group, the normal volume (Z 133 = 3.90, p = 0.001) and the normal viscosity of semen (Z 133 = 2.36, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group.The Carob group showed a significant increase in normal sperm counts and testosterone hormone levels (Z 131 = 2.81, p = 0.05). The Ginseng group demonstrated a significant improvement in orgasm function (H2 = 6.14, p = 0.04) and the total score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (H2 = 5.8, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Carob supplements are suggested to enhance some semen parameters and male sex hormones. For infertile men, Ginseng can be beneficial in improving sexual function.