EFFECT OF BU-ZHONG-YI-QI-TANG ON SEMINAL PLASMA CYTOKINE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC MALE INFERTILITY

Abstract

Twenty-two idiopathic infertile patients were treated with Oriental herbal medicine, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Hochu-ekki-to). Seminal plasma sFas level elevated significantly after herb administration. There was an inverse correlation between seminal plasma IL-6 level and sperm concentration before treatment. After the administration of herb seminal plasma, sFas levels significantly correlated with sperm concentration. Seminal plasma IL-8 level did not change. Certain kinds of cytokine in the seminal plasma might play some role in improving semen quality with treatment.

Keywords:

• interleukin
• soluble Fas
• male infertility
• herbal medicine