Hyun Jun Park1,2, Sangmin Choe2,3, Nam Cheol Park4,5. 1. Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. 2. Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. 3. Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Trial Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. 4. Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. joon501@pusan.ac.kr. 5. Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. joon501@pusan.ac.kr.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on semen parameters in male infertility patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. METHODS: A total of 80 male infertility patients with varicocele were recruited from April 2011 to February 2012. The subjects were then divided into the following four groups: non-varicocelectomy (V)+placebo (P) group, V+P group, non-V+KRG group (1.5-g KRG daily), and V+KGR group (1.5-g KRG daily). Semen analysis was performed and hormonal levels were measured in each treatment arm after 12 weeks. RESULTS: All groups but not the non-V+P group, showed significant improvements in sperm concentrations, motility, morphology, and viability at the end of the study. However, there were no significant differences in serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone among groups. The incidence of adverse events was low, and all events were assumed to be unrelated to the treatments administered. CONCLUSIONS: Although the exact mechanism by which KRG improves spermatogenesis remains unclear, KRG may be a useful agent for the treatment of male infertility. Nevertheless, additional studies to evaluate the optimal dose and duration of treatment are needed.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on semen parameters in male infertilitypatients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. METHODS: A total of 80 male infertilitypatients with varicocele were recruited from April 2011 to February 2012. The subjects were then divided into the following four groups: non-varicocelectomy (V)+placebo (P) group, V+P group, non-V+KRG group (1.5-g KRG daily), and V+KGR group (1.5-g KRG daily). Semen analysis was performed and hormonal levels were measured in each treatment arm after 12 weeks. RESULTS: All groups but not the non-V+P group, showed significant improvements in sperm concentrations, motility, morphology, and viability at the end of the study. However, there were no significant differences in serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone among groups. The incidence of adverse events was low, and all events were assumed to be unrelated to the treatments administered. CONCLUSIONS: Although the exact mechanism by which KRG improves spermatogenesis remains unclear, KRG may be a useful agent for the treatment of male infertility. Nevertheless, additional studies to evaluate the optimal dose and duration of treatment are needed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Panax ginseng; male infertility; spermatogenesis
Authors: Wan Su Park; Dong Youp Shin; Do Rim Kim; Woong Mo Yang; Mun Seog Chang; Seong Kyu Park Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2007-04-06 Impact factor: 7.329
Authors: Michael P Rimmer; Ruth A Howie; Venkatesh Subramanian; Richard A Anderson; Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla; Yusuf Beebeejaun; Pietro Bortoletto; Sesh K Sunkara; Rod T Mitchell; Allan Pacey; Madelon van Wely; Cindy M Farquhar; James M N Duffy; Craig Niederberger Journal: Hum Reprod Open Date: 2022-03-04