Fertility-enhancing herbs and their mechanism of action
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2025
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Abstract
Objectives: Fertility treatment in low-resource settings has employed phytochemicals,
particularly for males with abnormal semen parameters. This is particularly so because of the
high cost of assisted reproductive techniques. Herbs are considered safe, effective, cheap, and
easily accessible when compared to the other methods. These herbs have different mechanisms
of action depending on the activity of the phytonutrient. The study aims to carry out an updated
analysis of the leading fertility-enhancing herbs in the low-resource settings of Africa and point
out important gaps that may enhance their optimal and practical use.
Methods: A number of basic research work and clinical trials conducted within the last two
decades were collated and reviewed. Studies employing phytonutrients to enhance male fertility
were carefully selected.
Results/Conclusions: Over twenty herbs were identified, and about eight pathways have been
discovered for managing infertility using traditional African herbs. While many herbs utilize a
combination of pathways, some rely on a single path in their mechanism of action. This
thorough analysis of the potential of male fertility-enhancing herbs in low-resource settings
provides a robust foundation for further research and practical application.
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Keywords
fertility-enhancing, herbs, male infertility, mechanism of action, semen parameters
Citation
Adana, M. Y. (2025). Fertility-enhancing herbs and their mechanism of action. Proceedings Fertility 2025 Conference: Reproduction – Facts, Myths and Evidence, Abha, M. & Martin, B. (eds). Human fertility, 28(1), 67-68, Published by Taylor & Francis. Available online at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/14647273.2025.2466874?needAccess=true https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ihuf20/28/1 (Scopus indexed, Q2)