Hydrogen Water + Ginseng Boosts Male Fertility in Mice Study
- Authors
- Ja Yoon Ku, Min Jung Park, Hyun Jun Park, Nam Cheol Park, Bo Sun Joo
- Journal
- Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11655-019-3047-1
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- South Korea
- Health Condition
- Male Infertility
- Body System
- Reproductive
TL;DR
Drinking a mixture of hydrogen-rich water and Korean Red Ginseng improved sperm count and movement in mice, especially older ones, by boosting antioxidant activity and sex hormone production.
Key Finding
A combination of hydrogen-rich water and Korean Red Ginseng extract synergistically improved sperm production and motility in male mice, with particularly strong effects in aged mice.
Summary
Researchers gave male mice a combination of hydrogen-rich water and Korean Red Ginseng extract for 4 weeks to see if it would improve sperm production and movement. The treatment increased sperm count and sperm motility (the ability of sperm to swim), and these effects were stronger when both ingredients were combined. The benefits were especially noticeable in older mice, where the treatment also boosted testosterone levels and reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study in mice, so results cannot be directly applied to humans. While the findings suggest hydrogen-rich water combined with ginseng may support male reproductive function through antioxidant mechanisms, human clinical trials would be needed to determine if similar benefits occur in men. The study does not provide evidence for use in humans at this time.
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages. Methods: Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n =10 per group) including control group, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily), KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg and 50 mg/kg daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3, PPx4, GSTm5 and GPx4), spermatogenesis (inhibin-a, neptin-2 and CREM), antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2), and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (P <0.05). These effects were strengthened synergistically by a HRGW mixture (P <0.05 or P <0.01). HRGW greatly increased the expressions of antioxidation, antiaging, spermatogenesis related genes and VEGF especially in aged mice (P <0.05). Serum testosterone and FSH levels also increased, while serum ROS level decreased (all P <0.05). Conclusion: HRGW increases sperm production and motility by enhancing antioxidation and stimulating spermatogenesis and sex hormone production, particularly in aged mice.