Effects of Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang on motility of human sperm.
Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang (SFZYT) is reportedly beneficial to sperm. In this study, we examined sperm acrosomal activity and serum free radical changes to evaluate the possible mechanism of SFZYT. A clinical study evaluated the sperm count and motility in 36 patients with chronic prostatitis before and after treatment for 60 days. The results revealed a significant increase in sperm motility after treatment as evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis (17.27 +/- 9.00 versus 28.29 +/- 10.00, p < 0.01). An increase in sperm quantity and quality was observed by count and morphology with a high-powered intravital microscope. To gain an understanding of the mechanisms that caused this effect, we assessed sperm acrosin activity levels before (10.6 micro lu/10(6)) and after medication (28.6 micro lu/10(6)) (p < 0.01). The levels of the free radicals was relatively higher before medication, 2144, compared to a normal value of 780 after medication (p < 0.01). In conclusion, SFZYT increased the motility and quality of human semen and this increase is related to an increase in sperm acrosin activity. SFZYT also works as a sperm antioxidant and antiaging agent.
Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital Taichung 400, Taiwan, ROC.
Ching-Chiang
CC
Yang
Jung-Chou
JC
Chen
Guang-Wei
GW
Chen
Yi-shuan
YS
Chen
J G
JG
Chung
D000176:Acrosin / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000176:Acrosin