The Therapeutic Effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill for the Treatment of Oligoasthenozoospermia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a crucial factor in male infertility. Wuzi Yanzong (WZYZ) pill is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used for male infertility treatment for years. However, its effects on semen quality remain controversial. We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis to assess the effect of WZYZ pill for the therapeutic effects on oligoasthenozoospermia. Five randomized controlled trials including 960 participants were selected from databases of domains in North-East Asian regions, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. WZYZ pill group yielded a greater mean increment on sperm concentration (5 trials: MD 5.99, 95% CI 2.12–9.85, P = 0.002), sperm motility (5 trials: MD 4.57, 95% CI 0.47–8.68, P = 0.03), sperm morphology (2 trials: MD −1.93, 95% CI −4.87–1.01, P = 0.20), activity of acrosomal enzyme (2 trials: MD 28.27, 95% CI 12.41–44.14, P < 0.01), volume of semen (2 trials: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, P = 0.002), and a decrement of sperm DNA fragmentation index (2 trials: MD −3.82, 95% CI −6.45–−1.19, P = 0.004). However, qualities of selected studies were generally unsatisfactory, and there was inherent heterogeneity among some of the outcomes. Despite these limitations, the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.

The Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Poor Semen Quality in Infertile Males

“…The TCM users had 10.7-fold better semen improvement than TCM nonusers after adjustment for age, duration of infertility, BMI, history of smoking and alcohol use, and infertility type ( Table 2 ). Our data were in agreement with that of the previous studies that clearly demonstrated that TCM exerted a positive effect on all sperm parameters [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…Moreover, studies in animals showed that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan exhibited protective effects against ionizing radiation-induced testicular damage, which may have been related to its antioxidant abilities [ 39 ]. Zhao et al demonstrated that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan might ameliorate sperm quality by boosting semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia [ 26 ]. Omirinde et al demonstrated that Cuscuta australis enhanced sperm morphology, decreased defects of the head and mid-piece of spermatozoa, and invigorated the reproductive system through its strong antioxidant properties [ 40 ].…”

A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters

“…The Wuzi Yanzong TCM formula may provide a good clinical solution for subfertile males that contemporary western medicine has no cure. The rationale for conducting this randomized controlled trial (RCT) has been further discussed and published in our recent metaanalysis [9].…”

Effect of Wuzi Yanzong on Reproductive Hormones and TGF-β1/Smads Signal Pathway in Rats with Oligoasthenozoospermia

“…Modern pharmacological studies show that the WZYZ formula regulates sex hormone levels, increases sperm quantity, motility, and viability, restores sexual organ development, and inhibits testicular apoptosis [9–15]. Furthermore, clinical studies show that the WZYZ formula can significantly improve spermatogenic function, semen quality, and male fertility [16–22]. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the effects of WZYZ are still unclear and need to be elucidated for incorporating it in clinical practice.…”