Herbal Supplements and Fertility: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.834Keywords:
Herbal supplements, Fertility, Reproductive health, PRISMA, Systematic reviewAbstract
Background: The use of herbal supplements for fertility enhancement has garnered significant interest, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific research. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of herbal supplements on fertility and reproductive health.
Objective: The primary objective is to synthesize existing literature on herbal supplements and fertility, elucidating their mechanisms and potential implications for reproductive medicine.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, BioMed Central, and other sources. PRISMA guidelines were followed. A total of 92 articles were screened, with 60 meeting eligibility criteria for inclusion.
Results: Of the included studies, significant findings emerged, including the enhancement of endurance with Maca supplementation and the reproductive capability improvement with ginsenosides. Concerns regarding safety and regulation were also underscored, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Conclusion: The interplay between herbal supplements and fertility presents a complex landscape, with potential benefits and risks. As evidence accumulates, a nuanced understanding is crucial for integrating herbal remedies into modern reproductive healthcare practices.
Downloads
References
Dean M, Murphy BT, Burdette JE. Phytosteroids Beyond Estrogens: Regulators of Reproductive and Endocrine Function in Natural Products. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 2017.
Li N, Xing Y, Sultan AH, Raeeszadeh M, Akbari A, Liu H. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) Improves Ethanol-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction by Enhancing Steroidogenesis and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology. 2021.
Friedman J, Sheeder J, Lazorwitz A, Polotsky AJ. Herbal Supplement Use Among Reproductive-Aged Women in an Academic Infertility Practice. F&s Reports. 2023.
Patel R, Alavi F, Ortega SR, Matela A. Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Cimicifuga Racemosa and Thuja Occidentalis Herbal Medications for Fertility. Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine. 2021.
Yimam M, Lee Y-C, Hyun E-J, Jia Q. Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Orally Administered Botanical Composition, UP446‐Part III: Effects on Fertility and Early Embryonic Development to Implantation in Sprague Dawley Rats. Birth Defects Research Part B Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology. 2015.
Begum R, Howlader S, Mamun-Or-Rashid ANM, Rafiquzzaman SM, Ashraf GM, Albadrani GM, et al. Antioxidant and Signal-Modulating Effects of Brown Seaweed-Derived Compounds Against Oxidative Stress-Associated Pathology. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2021.
Sadogh A, Gorji N, Moeini R. Herbal Foodstuffs in Avicenna’s Recommended Diet to Improve Sperm Quality and Increase Male Fertility; An Evidence-Based Approach. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 2021.
Adeldust H, Farzinpour A, Farshad A, Rostamzadeh J, López-Béjar M. Increased Sperm Cell Production in Ageing Roosters by an Oral Treatment With an Aromatase Inhibitor and a Natural Herbal Extract Designed for Improving Fertility. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2017.
Patel V, Menezes H, Menezes C, Bouwer S, Bostick-Smith CA, Speelman DL. Regular Mindful Yoga Practice as a Method to Improve Androgen Levels in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2020.
Aoki Y, Tsujimura A, Nagashima Y, Hiramatsu I, Uesaka Y, Nozaki T, et al. Effect of Lepidium Meyenii on in Vitro Fertilization via Improvement in Acrosome Reaction and Motility of Mouse and Human Sperm. Reproductive Medicine and Biology. 2018.
Yang Q, Jin W, Lv X, Dai P, Ao Y, Wu M, et al. Effects of Macamides on Endurance Capacity and Anti-Fatigue Property in Prolonged Swimming Mice. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2015.
Fu B, Ma R, Liu F, Chen X, Teng X, Yang P, et al. Ginsenosides Improve Reproductive Capability of Aged Female Drosophila Through Mechanism Dependent on Ecdysteroid Receptor (ECR) and Steroid Signaling Pathway. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2022.
Leiva-Revilla J, Rolón M, Siyadatpanah A, Pereira MdL, Nissapatorn V. First Study of in Vitro Protective Effect of Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) on Frozen–thawed Bovine Spermatozoa. Veterinary World. 2022.
Sanchez-Salazar L, Gonzales GF. Aqueous Extract of Yellow Maca (Lepidium Meyenii ) Improves Sperm Count in Experimental Animals but Response Depends on Hypocotyl Size, pH and Routes of Administration. Andrologia. 2017.
Qader CY. Role of Antioxidant Supplements in Idiopathic Male Infertility in Erbil City. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. 2022.
Al-Salhie KCK, Waeli AA. The Effect of Using Different Levels of Red Ginseng Roots Powder on Some Physiological Characteristics of Japanese Quail Males (Coturnix Japonica). Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2019.
Kopalli SR, Cha K-M, Hwang S-Y, Jeong M, Kim S-K. Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Meyer) With Enriched Rg3 Ameliorates Chronic Intermittent Heat Stress–induced Testicular Damage in Rats via Multifunctional Approach. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2019.
Xi Qy, Jiang Y, Zhao S, Zeng B, Wang F, Wang LN, et al. Effect of ginseng polysaccharides on the immunity and growth of piglets by dietary supplementation during late pregnancy and lactating sows. Animal Science Journal. 2017;88(6):863-72.
Zhou L, Huang P-P, Chen L-L, Wang P. Panax notoginseng saponins ameliorate Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity in C. elegans through antioxidant activities. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019.
Khan M, Ansair M, Maheshwari RK. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Delhi, India: Lenin Media Pvt Ltd[Google Scholar]. 2018.
Petrović M, Sokolović D, Babić S, Vymyslický T, Marković J, Zornić V, et al. Isoflavones of the red and Hungarian clover and possible impact on animal diet. Czech Journal of Food Sciences. 2021;39(3):169-75.
Alharbi SA, Asad M, Abdelsalam KEA, Ibrahim MA, Chandy S. Beneficial Effect of Methanolic Extract of Frankincense (Boswellia Sacra) on Testis Mediated through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis. Molecules. 2022;27(15):4699.
Alharbi SA, Asad M, Abdelsalam KEA, Chandy S, Ibrahim MA. Frankincense extract protects against testicular damage through augmentation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and modulation of apoptotic genes expression. Scientific Reports. 2022;12(1):12625.
Rashan L, White A, Haulet M, Favelin N, Das P, Cock IE. Chemical composition, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic potentiation of Boswellia sacra Flueck. oleoresin extracts from the Dhofar region of Oman. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021;2021:1-23.
Schmiech M, Lang SJ, Werner K, Rashan LJ, Syrovets T, Simmet T. Comparative analysis of pentacyclic triterpenic acid compositions in oleogum resins of different Boswellia species and their in vitro cytotoxicity against treatment-resistant human breast cancer cells. Molecules. 2019;24(11):2153.
El‐Essawy RH, Al‐Ashry S, Sabet NE, Ghobashy AM. Assessment of depth of penetration and antibiofilm properties of Boswellia sacra compared with calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament (in vitro study). Australian Endodontic Journal. 2023;49(2):295-301.
Alamoudi MO, Bakrshoom YF. Vitex Agnus Castus and Some Female Disorders: A Review. Agricultural Reviews. 2021.
Naseri R, Farnia V, Yazdchi K, Alikhani M, Basanj B, Salemi S. Comparison of Vitex Agnus-Castus Extracts With Placebo in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Korean Journal of Family Medicine. 2019.
Moreno FN, Campos-Shimada LB, Costa SCd, Garcia RPA, Cecchini AL, Natali MRM, et al. Vitex Agnus-CastusL. (Verbenaceae) Improves the Liver Lipid Metabolism and Redox State of Ovariectomized Rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015.
Gholampour TE, Raieni RF, Pouladi M, Larijani M, Pagano M, Faggio C. The Dietary Effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus Hydroalcoholic Extract on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Carcass Quality, Sex Ratio and Gonad Histology in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio). Applied Sciences. 2020.
Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M. Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electronic Physician. 2017.
Saul S. Effects of Vitex Agnes Castus on Hormonal Imbalances in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 2017.
Heirati SFD, Ozgoli G, Kabodmehri R, Mojab F, Sahranavard S, Nasiri M. The 4-Month Effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus Plant on Sexual Function of Women of Reproductive Age: A Clinical Trial. Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2021.
Jawad M, Al-Ameer SA, Musa M. The Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Vitex Agnus-Castus Leaves on the Liver and Kidney in Female Rabbits. Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research. 2022.
Pavin NF, Izaguirry AP, Soares MB, Spiazzi CC, Mendez ASL, Leivas FG, et al. Tribulus terrestris protects against male reproductive damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018;2018.
Salgado R, Marques‐Silva M, Gonçalves E, Mathias A, Aguiar J, Wolff P. Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men. Andrologia. 2017;49(5):e12655.
Khaleghi S, Bakhtiari M, Asadmobini A, Esmaeili F. Tribulus terrestris extract improves human sperm parameters in vitro. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine. 2017;22(3):407-12.
Sahin K, Orhan C, Akdemir F, Tuzcu M, Gencoglu H, Sahin N, et al. Comparative evaluation of the sexual functions and NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts in male rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16:1-11.
Ara A, Vishvkarma R, Mehta P, Rajender S. The Profertility and Aphrodisiac Activities of Tribulus terrestris L.: Evidence from Meta-Analyses. Andrologia. 2023;2023.
Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health. Pharmacological reviews. 2016;68(4):1026-73.
Sabeel Z, Liang Y, Hao M, Ying L, Guo R, Chen R, et al. A comprehensive review of antitumor properties of Angelica species and their antitumor‐responsible constituents and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumor inhibition. Phytotherapy Research. 2023;37(5):2187-211.
Abruzzo PM, Canaider S, Pizzuti V, Pampanella L, Casadei R, Facchin F, et al. Herb-Derived Products: Natural tools to delay and counteract stem cell senescence. Stem Cells International. 2020;2020.
Kim YG, Lee JH, Park S, Kim S, Lee J. Inhibition of polymicrobial biofilm formation by saw palmetto oil, lauric acid and myristic acid. Microbial biotechnology. 2022;15(2):590-602.
Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, Heinrich C, Huang K, Mostaghimi A. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review. JAMA dermatology. 2023;159(1):79-86.
Morgia G, Micali A, Rinaldi M, Irrera N, Marini H, Puzzolo D, et al. Survivin and NAIP in human benign prostatic hyperplasia: protective role of the association of Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium from the randomized clinical study. International journal of molecular sciences. 2017;18(3):680.
Heim S, Seibt S, Stier H, Moré MI. Uromedic® pumpkin seed derived Δ7-sterols, extract and oil inhibit 5α-reductases and bind to androgen receptor in vitro. Pharmacology & Pharmacy. 2018;9(06):193.
Czyżewska I, Jarosz PM, Wiśniewska P. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) a plant of many possibilities. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(8):434-8.
Joshi R, Yadav P, Bagwe-Parab S, Tuli HS, Buttar HS, Kaur G. Iron Chelation and Antioxidant Properties of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Restore Fertility in Men and Women. Current Bioactive Compounds. 2023;19(7):81-92.
M Ali H. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Their Effects on the Reproductive Hormones of Male Rats. مجلة الاقتصاد المنزلي. 2021;37(2):1-22.
Chauhan S, Srivastava MK, Pathak AK. Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well‐being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health Science Reports. 2022;5(4):e741.
Bawane V. Two Arm Open Labelled Randomized Standard Controlled Prospective Clinical Study to Assess the Efficacy of Ashwagandha Kshirpaka for Folliculogenesis in Management of Vandhyatva. International Journal of Health Sciences. (II):12458-66.
Rashidi M, Emtiazy M, Khodadoost M, Fallahzadeh H, Mirjalili A. Determining the Effect of Ashwagandha Plant Powder on Men With Semen Disorders. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2020.
Assar S, Khazaei H, Naseri M, El-Senduny F, Momtaz S, Farzaei MH, et al. Natural formulations: Novel viewpoint for scleroderma adjunct treatment. Journal of Immunology Research. 2021;2021.
Timoszuk M, Bielawska K, Skrzydlewska E. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) biological activity dependent on chemical composition. Antioxidants. 2018;7(8):108.
Rahbar N, Sharafshahi F, Ghods S, Ghorbani R. Comparison of Misoprostol and Evening Primrose Oil on Cervical Preparation Before Gynecological Surgery. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2023;63(8):880-5.
Atteia HH, Alzahrani S, El-Sherbeeny NA, Farag NE, Mehanna ET, Elhawary R, et al. Evening primrose oil ameliorates hyperleptinemia and reproductive hormone disturbances in obese female rats: Impact on estrus cyclicity. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020;10:502229.
Tumsutti P, Maiprasert M, Sugkraroek P, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Bumrungpert A. Effects of a combination of botanical actives on skin health and antioxidant status in post‐menopausal women: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(5):2064-72.
Yelland S, Steenson S, Creedon A, Stanner S. The role of diet in managing menopausal symptoms: A narrative review. Nutrition Bulletin. 2023;48(1):43-65.
Ruan X, Mueck A, Beer A-M, Naser B, Pickartz S. Benefit–risk profile of black cohosh (isopropanolic Cimicifuga racemosa extract) with and without St John’s wort in breast cancer patients. Climacteric. 2019;22(4):339-47.
Jöhrer K, Stuppner H, Greil R, Çiçek SS. Structure-guided identification of black cohosh (actaea racemosa) triterpenoids with in vitro activity against multiple myeloma. Molecules. 2020;25(4):766.
Fan CW, Cieri-Hutcherson NE, Hutcherson TC. Systematic review of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for management of polycystic ovary syndrome-related infertility. Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2022;35(6):991-9.
Wuttke W, Seidlová-Wuttke D. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a non-estrogenic alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Clinical Phytoscience. 2015;1(1):12.
Chen L, Choi J, Leonard SW, Banuvar S, Barengolts E, Viana M, et al. No clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions of a red clover dietary supplement with cytochrome P450 enzymes in women. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2020;68(47):13929-39.
Abbasian Z, Barmak MJ, Barazesh F, Ghavamizadeh M, Mirzaei A. Therapeutic efficacy of Trifolium pratense L. on letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats. Plant Science Today. 2020;7(3):501-7.
Austin JR, Li K, Rivera Rodríguez Ro, Lantvit DD, Murphy BT, Burdette JE. Irilone, a Red Clover Isoflavone, Combined with Progesterone Enhances PR Signaling through the Estrogen and Glucocorticoid Receptors. Journal of natural products. 2021;84(12):3090-9.
Mustonen EA, Tuori M, Kurki P, Isolahti M, Taponen J, Vanhatalo A. Variety, time of harvest and conditions during growing season have impact on red clover isoflavone content. Agricultural and Food science. 2018;27(2):102–9-–9.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Safia, Sanam Lashari, Taiba Khan, Maaz Ali, Dua Jokhio, Sumaiya Yahya
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
