Causes and Herbal remedies for Low sperm Count, mobility

The male sperm is an impregnating fluid. The semen is a Viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in Secretion of the accessory glands and of the Prostate and Cowper’s gland. As per Ayurveda the properties of a good sperm are Bahal or being thick, Pichhill or slimy, Shukla or White, Madhur or Sweet, Snigdha or unctuousness.

Probable causes of low sperm cause that men experience-

Stress, Strain, Diabetes, Obesity, advanced age, excessive intake of alcohol, steroid usage, smoking, excessive exposures to heat, use of antidepressant pills, unbalanced food, are all the causes of low sperm count. Studies show that electromagnetic frequencies also affect the sperm count. Researchers find that men who spent more than four hours a day on their cell phones had lower sperm counts, less motile sperms and more irregularly shaped sperms than men who did not use cell phones.

Hormones also play an important role in semen production and in the fertility of men. One of the main hormones is testosterone. Insufficient levels of Testosterone, imbalance in Lutinizing hormone and Follicle stimulating hormone in men can affect the Sperm Production. Diet also has a big impact on sperm health. Let us discuss how deficiencies of Vitamins minerals affect the sperm count or sperm quality.

Zinc – Zinc deficiency results in the less production of Testosterone levels. A study done at Michael Busk Sorensen and published in MHR Basic science of Reproductive Medicine in 1999 showed that Zinc concentrations are crucial for adequate sperm mobility. Dietary sources of Zinc are Yogurt, Cashew nuts etc.

Folic Acid – Recent Research done at Netherlands shows that zinc can become most effective in improving semen quality in sub fertile men. The Dutch team published their findings in the March issue of the Journal Fertility and sterility. Zinc and Folic acid both are known to be essential for the creation of DNA and sperm. Research Done in Holland shows a diet rich with folic acid and zinc can effectively improve semen quality in Sub Fertile men.

Co-enzyme Q10 – A study done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hadassah – Hebrew university medical school in Israel revealed that oral administration of 60mg of Co-enzyme Q10 significantly increased fertilization in study subjects. The results of this study favorably predict the positive function and mobility.

Dietary sources – Soybean oil, Sesame seeds Peanuts etc.

L-Carnitine, Amino Acid L – Carnitine plays an important role in the process of sperm formation, sperm maturation and in the maintenance of sperm quality L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in sperm development and maturation. It plays a vital role in maintaining the sperm membrane and the metabolic processing of endogenous fuel into energy, expressed as sperm mobility.

Vit B12 – is found only in animal foods. Some studies suggest that B12 supplements may improve sperm count and sperm mobility. But lot of research work is required for this. Some researchers observed that the men, who have Vit B12 deficiency, have fertility issues also.

Two Brazilian studies published in 2005 confirmed earlier suspicions that caffeine could improve sperm mobility. But lot of research work is required to establish this.

Now let us discuss about the Herbs known to improve sperm count, mobility and quality.

1. Blepharis Edulis (Utangan): Is an aphrodisiac, sex stimulant and spermatogenia can be given in spermatorrhoea and impotency situations.

2. Chlorphytum Arundinaceum (Safed Musali) Indicated in impotency. It is a nourishing and rejuvenating, aphrodisiac. Ref. Material, Medica of Ayurveda by Vaidya Bhagwan Dash et. al, 1980, 50 ;Raj Nighantu.

3. Argyrevia Speciosa – It promotes fertility, increases sperm count and sperm mobility. It is also effective to treat male impotency and sterility as evidenced by increase in Testosterone in alcohol exposed rats. Ref. Mitra SK, Muralidhar TS, Roo D.R. “Experimental assessment of relative efficacy of drugs of herbal origin on sexual performance and hormone levels in alcohol exposed and normal rats. Phytother Res. 1996, 10, 10: 296-9

4. Hygrophila Auriculata seeds (Talmakhana) - Prescribed seeds in impotency and spermatorrhoea. This herb can be used as an ingredient in herbal formulations prepared for aphrodisiac, impotence and in seminal and other debilities. Ref. IMM – 668-669.Sushrut samhita, Chikitsa sutrasthan 26; Ashtang Hridya Chikitsathan 22; Raj Nighantu.

5. Orchis Latifolia (Salabmisri) - Restorative, invigorative and aphrodisiac. Useful in impotency. Charak, Sutrasthan 27, recognized its anabolic, tonic and aphrodisiac properties.

6. Leptadenia Reticulate (Jeevanti) - Increases sperm count and sperm – mobility. Promotes Spermatogenesis by improving the testicular, seminal vesicle and epididymal function.

7. Saw palmetto (serenoa-repens) - A natural steroid that tones and strengthens the reproductive system. It increases libido and sperm count.

8. Horny Goat Weed - It supports healthy seminal emission by action on the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. It is a powerful sexual tonic. It promotes production of healthy testosterone. Several studies show that this herb has a potential to increase sperm production.

Here are a few simple things that people can do to increase sperm count naturally.

Quit smoking, follow a balanced diet, avoid working in stressful atmosphere, sleep for about 6 to 8 hours, avoid hot showers and avoid wearing tight undergarments.

Dr. Veena Deo, B.A.M.S. (M.D.)

Dr. Veena Deo is an Ayurvedic Doctor in India. All the information provided above and opinions expressed above are her own and should not be construed as medical advice. This information is provided for educational purposes only. For questions or to consult Dr. Veena Deo, please send an email to dr.veenadeo@gmail.com.