The Therapeutic Effects of a Medicinal Plant Mixture in Capsule Form on Catalase Levels in the Semen of Men with Oligospermia

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, the therapeutic effects of mixed herbs (onion, ginger, basil, cinnamon, orange peel, yellow and red watermelon seeds, and carrot seed) on catalase levels in the semen of men with oligospermia were evaluated. About 50% of recognized infertility factors are male-related factors, and are mainly the result of oligospermia, astenospermia, and teratozoospermia. Materials and Methods: The study participants included 40 males with oligospermia and infertility. The studied medicine were 700 mg capsules containing onion, ginger, basil, cinnamon, orange peel, yellow and red watermelon seeds, and carrot seed (100 mg of each). Catalase activity was measured by Aebi method. Results: A significant increase was observed in catalase level in semen as a result of using the medicinal plant mixture (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Free radicals play an important role in male infertility. Antioxidants can prevent the damaging effects they have on sperm. Oxidative stress reduction can increase the chances of natural fertility or assisted reproductive technology (ART). Medicinal plants have low costs, complications, and easy availability, and cause an increase in semen plasma antioxidants and subsequent improvement in semen parameters. Thus, they can be the source of new hopes for the treatment of infertility.