Evaluation of L-Carnitine Potential in Improvement of Male Fertility

Effects of L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increases with age. Considering that BPH drug treatment is associated with complications, this study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation as an adjunct therapy to finasteride in the management of LUTS in older men affected with BPH. Fifty eligible volunteers (25 per group) were randomly assigned to either intervention (finasteride + LC and CoQ10 supplements) or control (finasteride + placebo) groups. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), international index of erectile function (IIEF), quality of life index (QoL), as well as serum levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), were assessed. Prostate ultrasound evaluation was also performed, before and after 8 wk of intervention. Supplementation with LC and CoQ10 led to a significant decrease in prostate volume (p < 0.001) as well as a significant increase in IIEF (p < 0.001), compared to the control group. However, there were no significant between-group differences in IPSS (p = 0.503), QoL scores (p = 0.339), and PSA levels (p = 0.482). CoQ10 and LC supplements might be beneficial in combination with standard therapies in the management of BPH and its related complications.

The emergence of natural products as potential therapeutics for male infertility

Infertility is a major reproductive health problem. Approximately 50% of all documented cases of infertility are attributable to male factors, such as poor testicular function and semen quality. The recent significant global decline in sperm counts has serious implications for male fertility, but the armamentarium for improving testicular function and semen quality is limited. Natural products have a wide range of activities and are a major source of drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To provide ideas and a theoretical basis for the research and development of therapeutic drugs for male infertility, this review summarizes natural products (mostly monomers) that have been shown to improve testicular function and semen quality and their possible mechanisms of action. These natural products primarily improve testicular function and semen quality via antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to increasing serum testosterone and reducing DNA damage in spermatozoa and testicular cells. Prospects for the application of natural products in the treatment of male infertility are discussed.