Effect of Lepidium meyenii on in vitro fertilization via improvement in acrosome reaction and motility of mouse and human sperm

Abstract

PurposeThe direct effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm remain unclear. Herein, we examined the direct effect of Maca on in vitro fertilization.MethodsWe examined the fertilization rate in a mouse model and the rate of acrosome reaction in sperm from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a Maca extract‐containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Using human sperm, we assessed acrosome status via fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC‐PNA) staining and performed detailed analysis using a sperm motility analysis system (SMAS).ResultsIn the mouse model, the fertilization rate in the Maca extract‐containing HTF was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The acrosome reaction rate in sperm from transgenic mice expressing EGFP was also significantly higher in the Maca extract‐containing HTF than that in the control medium. Similarly, a high acrosome reaction rate, identified via FITC‐PNA staining of human sperm samples, was found in the Maca extract‐containing HTF compared with that in the control medium. Human sperm motility in the Maca extract‐containing HTF was also increased compared with that in the control medium as measured using an SMAS.ConclusionsMaca improved in vitro fertilization rates by inducing an acrosome reaction and increasing sperm motility.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Maca Addition to an Extender for Chilled Canine Semen

“…Particularly, the semen extender treatment with 10 µL/mL preserved DNA and plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa at 3 h of storage and after 24 h of storage, significantly increased VCL of spermatozoa and improved the percentage of rapidly progressive and hyperactivated sperm cells, albeit not in a significant manner. A previous study that investigated the in vitro effect of Maca on human spermatozoa reported an increase in total motility but not in VCL or in other kinetic parameters [20]. The color of Maca hypocotyls or the use of different methods of cultivation, processing and extraction (methanol, chloroform, DMSO and water) of Maca can change concentrations of Maca bioactive metabolites [13,30,31].…”

“…Moreover, semen of animals fed with Maca supplementation diets showed an improved cooling and freezing ability [17][18][19]. It has been recently demonstrated that Maca extract improves in vitro fertilization rates in mice by inducing an acrosome reaction and increasing sperm motility [20]. To the best of our knowledge, the supplementation of the semen extender for cooling or freezing with Maca has not yet been investigated.…”

In vitro fertilization using sperm activated by ML‐2–3 isolated from Morinda lucida Bentham leaves

“…Hochuekkito, pentoxifylline, coenzyme Q10, Maca ( Lepidium meyenii Walpers), isoliquiritigenin, and formononetin have been reported to improve sperm motility. 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 Oral administration of Hochuekkito increases sperm concentration. Furthermore, Hochuekkito acts directly on sperm to improve motility.…”

“… 27 Maca has been reported to increase IVF rates by inducing the acrosome reaction and improving sperm motility. 28 …”

Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?

“…The effects of maca on fertility were initially demonstrated in animals (Gonzales, Ruiz, Gonzales, Villegas & Cordova, 2001; Zhang, Yu, Ao, & Jin, 2006) and subsequently in humans. Maca was reported to increase semen volume and sperm motility (Gonzales, Córdova, et al., 2001; Melnikovova, Fait, Kolarova, Fernandez, & Milella, 2015; Lee, Lee, You, Ha, 2016), fertilisation rate and acrosome reaction (Aoki et al., 2018) enhance sexual desire (Gonzales et al., 2002; Stone, Ibarra, Roller, Zangara, & Stevenson, 2009) and improve mild erectile dysfunction (Zenico, Cicero, Valmorri, Mercuriali, & Bercovich, 2009). Some symptoms in women may also be pale by treatment with maca, as previous studies have shown (Brook et al., 2008; Lee, Shin, Yang, Lim, & Ernst, 2011).…”