Research progress on mechanisms of TCM and its active components in treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia

AI Summary

TCM treats OAS via multi-target mechanisms: reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, restoring endocrine balance, improving mitochondrial function and spermatogenic microenvironment.
TCM and active components improve semen parameters: increased sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and promotion of testicular tissue repair.
TCM advantages include multi-target actions, low toxicity, relatively stable efficacy, reduced recurrence, and systemic regulation of redox homeostasis and energy metabolism.

AI Summary

Although modern medical treatments can partially improve semen parameters and spermatogenic function, they are often limited by unstable efficacy, strong treatment dependence, high recurrence rates, and notable adverse effects.

Under the guidance of syndrome differentiation-based treatment and a holistic perspective, TCM, based on the core theories that the kidney governs reproduction and essence and blood share a common source, intervenes through multiple approaches such as tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence, reinforcing Qi and nourishing blood, removing blood stasis and dredging collaterals, and regulating Qi movement, thereby systematically improving the pathological state of OAS.

This article reviews recent research progress on TCM in the treatment of OAS, summarizing its therapeutic characteristics and biological basis, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the modernization research and clinical application of TCM interventions in male infertility.

Basic summary

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2026 Aug;51(15):4293-4302. doi: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20260428.501.

ABSTRACT

Oligoasthenozoospermia(OAS) is one of the major types of male infertility. Its pathogenesis involves multiple factors, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, endocrine disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic abnormalities. Although modern medical treatments can partially improve semen parameters and spermatogenic function, they are often limited by unstable efficacy, strong treatment dependence, high recurrence rates, and notable adverse effects. Under the guidance of syndrome differentiation-based treatment and a holistic perspective, TCM, based on the core theories that the kidney governs reproduction and essence and blood share a common source, intervenes through multiple approaches such as tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence, reinforcing Qi and nourishing blood, removing blood stasis and dredging collaterals, and regulating Qi movement, thereby systematically improving the pathological state of OAS. In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed that TCMs and their active components can not only significantly improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphological quality, but also enhance DNA integrity and mitochondrial function, promote testicular tissue repair, and optimize the spermatogenic microenvironment. In addition, they exert systemic regulatory effects by modulating redox homeostasis, restoring endocrine balance, and improving energy metabolism. Owing to their multi-target actions, low toxicity, and relatively stable efficacy, TCMs demonstrate unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of male reproductive disorders. This article reviews recent research progress on TCM in the treatment of OAS, summarizing its therapeutic characteristics and biological basis, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the modernization research and clinical application of TCM interventions in male infertility.

PMID:42693043 | DOI:10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20260428.501

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