Ameliorating Effect of Ginseng on Epididymo-Orchitis Inducing Alterations in Sperm Quality and Spermatogenic Cells Apoptosis following Infection by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Rats

Cadmium as a male reproductive toxicant and natural and non-natural ways to tackle it: a review

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring environmental pollutant, a toxic substance that causes oxidative stress. According to epidemiological studies, the data suggested that environmental and occupational Cd exposure may be related to several diseases and severe testicular damage. However, studies are going on to explore the mechanism of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity and its treatment strategies. Currently, researchers are focusing on naturally occurring bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and biochemical, which have better efficacy, less toxicity, and high bioavailability. This review focuses on the mechanistic effect of Cd on testicular toxicity and different categories of compounds having a beneficial impact on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. Some potent bioactive antioxidants are quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, curcumin, and silymarin. In comparison, plant extracts are Costus afer leaf methanol extract, methanol root extract of Carpolobia lutea, red carrot methanolic extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biochemicals including melatonin, progesterone, glutamine, L-carnitine, and selenium. Advanced and more detailed studies are needed on these compounds to explore their mechanism in attenuating Cd-induced testicular toxicity and can be potential therapeutics in the future.

The role of red ginseng in men's reproductive health: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Red ginseng (RG) is a traditional herb commonly used in China, Korea, and other East Asian countries. Recently, it has demonstrated a better clinical value in men's reproductive health (MRH). The present review aimed to examine the effects of RG treatment on MRH.

RESULTS

Overall, 42 articles related to RG application in MRH were reviewed, of which 31 were animal experiments and 11 were clinical studies. Furthermore, this review analyzed the use of RG in some male reproductive diseases in clinical trials and determined the associated mechanisms of action. The mechanism of action of RG in MRH may be related to oxidative stress, regulation of sex hormones and spermatogenesis-related proteins, and anti-inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of RG for the treatment of male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and prostate diseases has the potential to contribute to MRH.

Ginseng for Improving Semen Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review

Purpose

Ginseng has been used as a tonic to improve overall health, restore balance in the body, help the body to heal itself, reduce stress, boost energy, and enhance the immune system. The aim of this review was to assess current evidence that ginseng improves sperm quality.

Materials and Methods

We searched twelve databases (PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Library, five Korean medical databases, and three Chinese medical databases), using a cut-off date of 1st December 2019. We included clinical studies in which healthy men or men with fertility issues were treated with ginseng. We used Cochrane's risk of bias (ROB) tool to assess the ROB in the studies examined.

Results

From two-hundred and nineteen potentially eligible studies, just five relevant studies were selected (two randomized clinical trials [RCTs], one controlled clinical trial [CCT], and two observational studies). Of these studies, one RCT reported some positive results when using Korean red ginseng to improve sperm quality in infertile men. In addition, the other RCT reported that the effects of ginseng on sperm quality were equivalent to those found when valerian tablets are taken by healthy people. One CCT and two uncontrolled observational studies, however, did not demonstrate the clear effectiveness of ginseng in improving sperm quality in infertile men.

Conclusions

Currently, there are few trials investigating the efficacy of ginseng for improving sperm quality. The available studies demonstrate a high ROB. It can be suggested that overall, the evidence regarding ginseng improving sperm quality is limited.

Ginseng for improving semen quality parameters: A protocol of systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether ginseng is effective in improving sperm quality.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Twelve databases will be searched from their inception to the present date: PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Library, 5 Korean medical databases (KoreaMed, DBpia, OASIS, the Research Information Service System [RISS], and the Korean Studies Information Service System [KISS]), and 3 Chinese medical databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], the Wanfang Database, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database [VIP]). We will include all prospective clinical trials including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials, and uncontrolled observational studies. We will exclude case study and case series, and retrospective studies in which healthy men or men with subfertility are treated with any type of ginseng. We will exclude studies comparing the 2 different forms of ginseng. The selection of the studies, data abstraction, and validations will be performed independently by 2 researchers. The risk of bias of the RCTs will be evaluated using the Cochrane's risk of bias assessment tool.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The findings will be disseminated to appropriate audiences via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Our review will provide readers the opportunity to access studies originally published in East Asian languages that they would otherwise be unable to read.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO 2017 CRD42017078797.