Using herbs to improve sperm quality

About 15% of couples trying to get pregnant may encounter difficulties. In approximately half of these cases, the fertility challenges are due to ‘male factor infertility’ – i.e. an issue with the male.

During the last decades, clinicians have found a decrease in the male sperm quality indicators. This decrease has been linked to free radical damage due to increases in obesity rates, changes in lifestyle, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor dietary habits. There are various health problems that can cause fertility problems in men, including but not limited to hormonal and metabolic disorders (such as diabetes and hypothyroidism), varicocele (enlarged veins), various infections, and/or problems with the structure of the male reproductive system or obstructive problems within it. Yet in about 25% of cases, the fertility problem will be classified as unexplained – ie: the cause is unknown.

The diagnosis of ‘male factor infertility’ will be given in situations where there is a visible problem with the sperm (in its quantity, motility or shape), and may also be given even if there is no visible problem with the sperm.

Recent studies indicate that many cases of male infertility are related to ‘oxidative stress’ – a condition that causes damage and dysfunction to the sperm cells.

What is oxidative stress and what are its consequences on sperm cells and fertility problems?

‘Oxidative stress’ refers to an imbalance in the body’s tissues and cells (including the sperm cells), due a high amount of free radicals (components that damage the cells) and a low amount of antioxidants (components that neutralize free radicals and protect the cells and tissues). Oxidative stress is linked to a decrease in the body’s multi-system defense mechanisms, and many studies indicate that it may cause early aging processes, age-related diseases, inflammatory diseases, sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and even cancerous processes.

Many studies show that oxidative stress causes damage to healthy sperm cells, both in their quality and in their ability to fertilize:

• Free radicals damage the molecules of the hereditary material (DNA), essential lipids and proteins inside the sperm cells, and may also change important enzymatic processes – sometimes irreversibly – causing the death of sperm cells, thereby leading to a significant decrease in various sperm quality parameters that are directly linked to male infertility.
• The membrane (envelope) of each sperm cell consists of a high percentage of very sensitive fatty acids, which are easily damaged by free radicals that cause them to oxidize. These oxidation processes also lead to morphological defects and problems in the motility of the sperm cells.

Statistical data from around the world shows that oxidative stress is one of the main causes of fertility problems due to a male factor. In 30-40% (!) of men with fertility problems, very high levels of free radicals were detected in the semen.

What are antioxidants and how do they improve sperm quality?

Antioxidants are natural components found naturally in foods and plants, and are often a vital component of nutritional supplements. Antioxidants effectively neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting the cells and tissues in the body from potential damage the free radicals may cause. Studies indicate that a diet rich in antioxidants contributes to the increase of body balance, helps strengthen the multisystemic defense mechanisms, and prevents chronic diseases.

In the context of male fertility, recent studies have shown that antioxidants are essential factors for sperm protection against free radical damage. Consumption of antioxidants – both naturally and via nutritional supplements – by men undergoing fertility treatment, was found to significantly increase sperm quality and motility.

Most medicinal herbs contain various powerful antioxidant components such as vitamins C and E, antioxidant pigments such as beta-carotene, chlorophyll and lutein as well as antioxidant plant compounds such as quercetin, phenols, flavonoids and more. All these effectively neutralize free radicals and contribute to the increase in sperm quality and motility.

• In a clinical study of 60 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF),taking dietary supplements based on antioxidants increased the chances of conception by more than 23%.

Which herbs contain antioxidants?

Black elderberry – fruits and flowers

The elder is a tree that originates in Europe, but also grows in Israel. Its fruits and flowers have been used for many years in traditional herbal medicine to enhance immunity and support inflammatory conditions to reduce fever, and more. Elderberry fruits contain a unique variety of powerful antioxidants:

• Vitamin C – Elderberry fruits contain up to about 35 mg of vitamin C per 100 mg, about 60% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing cell and tissue damage throughout the body. Vitamin C also improves the absorption of iron in the body. A review of clinical studies in 2016 determined that taking vitamin C in combination with Vitamin E  improved the quantity, motility and in some cases also the integrity of the hereditary material (DNA) of the sperm.
• Phenolic Acids – Black Elderberry is an excellent source of phenolic acids – powerful antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress damage in the body. In 2017, clinical researchers reviewed a wide variety of phenolic compounds vis-a-vis their antioxidant activity and determined that phenolic compounds help protect sperm cells and improve the various indicators of its quality.
• Flavonoids – Both the fruits and flowers of the elderberry plant contain flavonoids. These are plant compounds with powerful antioxidant activity, such as quercetin, kaempferol and isormentin. Research has found that quercetin and kaempferol improve various indices of sperm that have been damaged due to exposure to heavy metals.
• Anthocyanins – Although Anthocyanins give the Elderberry fruits their dark black color, the flowers and leaves of the Elderberry are also an excellent source of these powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory and are very important for cardiovascular health. The Anthocyanins found in the Elderberry fruits have an antioxidant effect 3.5 times greater than vitamin E (which itself is an important antioxidant). Studies have proved that anthocyanins play an important part in protecting and improving the quality of sperm cells.

Cinnamon

The cinnamon bark also contains a wealth of antioxidants called ‘polyphenols’, which help protect the body from free radical damage. In studies that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 medicinal plants, the antioxidant effect of cinnamon was the most powerful – even more than garlic and oregano. The antioxidant activity of cinnamon is so powerful and effective on its own, that it is used as a natural food preservative. In addition, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to balance sugar levels.

Many studies have shown that cinnamon has a distinct effect on sperm viability and motility, and also increases the levels of the male hormones testosterone, LH, and FSH. Taking cinnamon significantly increases the level of antioxidants in the blood.

Tribulus (Puncture Vine)

Tribulus is a common plant found in Israel and throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. In ancient Greek and Indian medicine, tribulus is defined as a strengthening and aphrodisiac plant which increases sexual desire, and has been used in India to treat impotence and fertility problems in men. In Eastern Europe, tribulus is used to strengthen sexual power.

Studies have shown that tribulus contains a wide variety of components with biological activity, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and more. The most studied active component in tribulus is a component called protodioscin saponin.

• In a study of 40 men, the effect of tribulus on various sperm indicators (liveliness, motility and DNA integrity) was examined. Researchers concluded that tribulus has the potential to have a positive effect on various indicators of infertility in men.

Disclaimer: Medicinal plants are not drugs. The purpose of this article is to provide a  general overview of approaches in complementary medicine and the information provided does not constitute a qualified medical recommendation. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always contact your health practitioner before starting any nutritional supplement programs.