Abstract
BackgroundHerb mixtures are used as alternatives to hormone therapy in China for the treatment of partial androgen deficiency in aging men. However, the compositions of these herb mixtures are complex and their mechanisms are often unknown. This study investigates the effect of Heshouwuyin, a Chinese herbal compound for invigorating the kidney, on the control of testosterone secretion and sperm function.MethodsAged Wistar rats were administered with Heshouwuyin. A Shouwu pill group and young group were used as controls.ResultsMorphology, chemiluminescence, fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and western blot showed that the epididymal sperm of naturally aged rats had intact plasma membranes. They also had abnormal mitochondrial function and DNA integrity, a significant decline in serum testosterone levels, and significant pathological changes in the structure of testicular tissues. Heshouwuyin significantly improved sperm function and serum testosterone levels, and improved testicular morphology. Moreover, the curative efficacy of Heshouwuyin after 60 days was better than that of Heshouwuyin after 30 days and the Shouwu pill group.ConclusionHeshouwuyin exerts an important role in controlling testosterone secretion and sperm function.
Highlights
Herb mixtures are used as alternatives to hormone therapy in China for the treatment of partial androgen deficiency in aging men
The average area of seminiferous tubules and the number of seminiferous epithelium were significantly higher in the Heshouwuyin group 1 than that in the Shouwu pill group and Heshouwuyin group 2 (P < 0.05; Figure 2)
Water-soluble extract components of Wolfiporia extensa may retard aging by increasing the content of skin hydroxyproline [25]
Summary
Herb mixtures are used as alternatives to hormone therapy in China for the treatment of partial androgen deficiency in aging men. This study investigates the effect of Heshouwuyin, a Chinese herbal compound for invigorating the kidney, on the control of testosterone secretion and sperm function. Both the average quantity and quality of sperm in men is languishing, and the situation is worsening [1]. From 1940 to 1990, the average sperm count decreased 45%, from 113 × 106/mL to 66 × 106/mL. Sex hormones have regulatory effects on the physiological function of the testes [4]. Testosterone, secreted by Leydig cells within the testes, is a sex hormone required for the production of sperm. With decreasing testosterone secretory volume, sperm productivity declines, gonad function is weakened, and sexual dysfunction might
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
