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Phytomedicinal therapeutics for male infertility: critical insights and scientific updates

Journal of Natural Medicines volume 76, pages 546–573 (2022)Cite this article

A Correction to this article was published on 18 April 2022

This article has been updated

Abstract

Infertility is a significant cause of anxiety, depression, and social stigma among couples and families. In such cases, male reproductive factors contribute widely to the extent of 20–70%. Male infertility is a multifactorial disease with several complications contributing to its diagnosis. Although its management encompasses both modern and traditional medicine arenas, the first line of treatment, adopted by most males, focuses on the reasonably successful medicinal plant-based conventional therapies. Phyto-therapeutics, which relies on active ingredients from traditionally known herbs, influences sexual behavior and male fertility factors. The potency of these phyto-actives depends on their preparation methods and forms of consumption, including decoctions, extracts, semi-purified compounds, etc., as inferred from in vitro and in vivo (laboratory animal models and human) studies. The mechanisms of action therein involve the testosterone pathway for stimulation of spermatogenesis, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation, activation of signaling pathways in the testes [extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/protein kinase B(PKB)/transformation of growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NF-kB signaling pathways] and mediation of sexual behavior. This review critically focuses on the medicinal plants and their potent actives, along with the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the successful management of male infertility. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on medicinal plants that improve male reproductive health.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank VIT Vellore for supporting this work.

Funding

Not applicable.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Shalaka S. Ramgir and Kaviyarasi Renu have equal contribution for first authors.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology(SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology(VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632 014, India

    Shalaka S. Ramgir, Kaviyarasi Renu, Padma Thiagarajan & Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan

  2. Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Lab, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, India

    Balachandar Vellingiri

  3. Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India

    Alex George

  4. School of Human and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab, Canterbury Christ Church University, Sandwich, UK

    Alex George

  5. Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC, 27707, USA

    Damodaran Tirupapuliyur

  6. Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India

    Kaviyarasi Renu

  7. Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, 412115, Pune, India

    Shalaka S. Ramgir

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Correspondence to Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan.

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Ramgir, S.S., Renu, K., Vellingiri, B. et al. Phytomedicinal therapeutics for male infertility: critical insights and scientific updates. J Nat Med 76, 546–573 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-022-01619-0

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Keywords

  • Male infertility
  • Reproductive dysfunctions
  • Medicinal plants
  • Infertility management
  • Spermatogenesis