In this discourse, the existing literature on the subjects of the pathophysiology of infertility and important findings on the use of allopathic and plant-based pharmacotherapy were evaluated. Finally, the application of the bioactive principles of turmeric and its mechanism of action in the treatment of male and female infertility were explored.
Infertility from both anecdotal and empirical literature has been viewed as having a multiplicity of dimensions. With its status as a public health challenge, it has been estimated that over twenty-five percent of couples will seek help for infertility at some point during their relationship, which accounts for over 2 million office visits to health care providers annually. It is also interesting to note that infertility may have other far-reaching consequences, as it not only affects the couples' life only, but the total health care services and social environment. Various studies have linked infertility to certain emotional and social disturbances including mood disorders, criminality, and inadequacy in social interaction amongst infertile couples. From a socio-anthropological perspective, there have been discussions on the role of a number of factors on infertility. For instance; Wdowiak et al. reported a trend of lower sperm parameters (and male reproductive health) in today's men in comparison to those who lived more than fifty years ago. Additionally, the negative effect of the persistent presence of environmental toxicants such as arsenic on the reproductive system in the recent years has also been implicated on the issue of infertility.
Table of Contents
INFERTILITY
Infertility: Allopathic Medicine versus Complementary and Alternative Medicine
CURCUMA LONGA
Ethomedicinal Importance of Curcuma species
Phytochemical Profile of Curcuma longa
Ethnopharmacological Importance of Curcuma longa
Effect of Turmeric on Reproduction
CURCUMIN
Pharmacodynamic Studies of Curcumin
Fertility and Curcumin
Research Objectives and Themes
This work aims to evaluate the existing literature concerning the pathophysiology of infertility and current findings regarding allopathic and plant-based pharmacotherapies, with a specific focus on the bioactive principles of turmeric and their mechanisms of action in treating male and female infertility.
- Pathophysiology and management of human infertility.
- Pharmacotherapeutic potential of Curcuma longa and its active constituent, curcumin.
- Mechanisms of action of turmeric and curcumin in reproductive health.
- Comparative analysis of allopathic versus alternative medical approaches to infertility.
- Impact of oxidative stress and xenobiotics on reproductive systems.
Excerpt from the Book
Effect of Turmeric on Reproduction
In terms of the action of Curcuma longa extract on the reproductive system, several studies (as detailed below) have argued opposing views on the effect of turmeric and its bioactive constituents (Jain et al., 2007).
There are reports that in certain traditional medical system, Curcuma longa is given for its antifertility activity (Kirtikar and Basu, 1935; Chaudhury, 1966). Some of these experiments are addressed below.
In an experimental study, Garg et al. (1978) reported a significant decline in pregnancies in female rats on administration of Curcuma longa extract. Another research revealed that petroleum ether and aqueous extract exhibited 100% anti-fertility activity when administered from day 1-7 of pregnancy at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in rats. Meanwhile, the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Curcuma longa were found to inhibit fertility via reduction of sperm count and motility and germ cell populations in male rats (Purohit and Bhagat, 2004). Yadav and Jain (2006) also reported that oral administration of crude petroleum ether extract of Curcuma longa rhizome (100, 200 and 500mg/kg b.wt./day) during early pregnancy caused a significant adverse effect on pregnancy and suggested that extract possessed potent (100%) aborifacient property at 500mg/kg/b.wt./day dose level. In contrast, the petroleum ether, alcoholic and aqueous extracts did not exhibit any significant effect on the ovulatory activity at different doses in rabbits (Garg, 1974).
Summary of Chapters
INFERTILITY: Provides an overview of the disease, defined as the failure to achieve clinical pregnancy, and discusses the structural and functional factors affecting both sexes.
Infertility: Allopathic Medicine versus Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Contrasts conventional medical interventions with the increasing shift towards alternative medicinal agents in addressing infertility challenges.
CURCUMA LONGA: Offers a botanical and phytochemical introduction to the plant, including its traditional uses and chemical constituents.
Ethomedicinal Importance of Curcuma species: Details the traditional applications of Curcuma species in treating various illnesses and physiological conditions across different cultures.
Phytochemical Profile of Curcuma longa: Describes the chemical composition of the turmeric rhizome, specifically identifying phenolic compounds and essential oils.
Ethnopharmacological Importance of Curcuma longa: Examines the pharmacological potential of turmeric, including its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Effect of Turmeric on Reproduction: Evaluates conflicting research regarding the antifertility versus fertility-enhancing effects of turmeric extracts in experimental animal models.
CURCUMIN: Focuses on the primary bioactive compound derived from turmeric, covering its structural properties and therapeutic potential.
Pharmacodynamic Studies of Curcumin: Analyzes the mechanisms through which curcumin exerts its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects at the cellular level.
Fertility and Curcumin: Discusses the specific effects of curcumin on reproductive parameters, highlighting its complex role in male and female reproductive health.
Keywords
Infertility, Curcuma longa, Curcumin, Reproductive System, Pharmacotherapy, Oxidative Stress, Spermatogenesis, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Ethnopharmacology, In vitro, In vivo, Fertility, Toxicology, Abortifacient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The publication evaluates the impact of Curcuma longa and its active constituent, curcumin, on the reproductive systems of both humans and experimental animal models, assessing their efficacy in fertility management.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The work covers the pathophysiology of infertility, the phytochemical profile of turmeric, its broad pharmacological activities, and its specific effects on reproductive processes.
What is the primary objective of this literature review?
The review aims to synthesize existing scientific knowledge to clarify the role of turmeric and curcumin as either contributors to or alleviators of infertility-related conditions.
Which scientific methods are primarily utilized in the studies mentioned?
The research synthesizes a wide array of experimental approaches, including in vivo animal trials, in vitro cell-based studies (such as studies on HL-60 and LNCaP cells), and clinical trials involving sperm analysis and antioxidant assessment.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body extensively details the properties of turmeric and curcumin, including their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective activities, while dedicating specific chapters to their impact on reproductive outcomes.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as Infertility, Curcuma longa, Curcumin, Reproductive System, Pharmacotherapy, and Oxidative Stress.
How does curcumin affect the reproductive system in rats?
Studies show complex results; while some indicate antifertility and anti-ovulatory effects at specific doses, other studies suggest that curcumin may ameliorate reproductive toxicity caused by environmental stressors or metallic exposure.
Is curcumin considered safe for fertility treatment?
The literature presents a nuanced view, noting both beneficial effects on sperm parameters in some models and concerns regarding its potential as a contraceptive or abortifacient agent, necessitating caution.
What is the role of oxidative stress in male infertility according to the text?
Oxidative stress is identified as a major contributor to male infertility, as the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm membranes makes them highly susceptible to free radical damage, which curcumin may help mitigate.
Does the work address clinical applications?
Yes, it includes references to clinical trials on humans, such as those involving infertile men treated with curcumin nanomicelles, and mentions clinical observations regarding turmeric's impact on conditions like gastric ulcers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Akinmayowa Adedoyin Shobo (Autor:in), 2021, Does Tumeric support Infertility? Evaluation of the Effect of Curcuma Longa on Reproduction, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1131063
