Research Progress of Male Reproductive Toxicity of Chinese Materia Medicas

Abstract

In recent years, as the infertility rate in China has been increasing year by year and semen quality decreasing, male reproductive toxicity of drugs attracts more and more attention. There are many factors that cause male reproductive toxicity, among which Chinese materia medica is an important aspect. This article will introduce the male reproductive toxicity of Chinese materia medicas grouped by different effectivenesses such as immunosuppressant, evacuant, diuretic, cardiotonic, anti-infective drug and analgesic.

Risk compounds, potential mechanisms and biomarkers of traditional Chinese medicine‐induced reproductive toxicity

“…It is known that glycosides, like ginsenosides, have multiple pharmacologic effects, such as anti‐tumour, anti‐fatigue, anti‐ageing and enhanced immunity. However, ginsenosides GRg1 and Rb3 of P. ginseng may result in growth retardation and dyszoospermia, respectively (Li, Li, et al, 2019; Liu et al, 2006). According to the literature, dangerous compounds of herbs, such as Carpesii Fructus , Sparganii Rhizoma and Rhizoma Pinelliae , that induce reproductive toxicity remain unclear.…”

“…(Chan, 2011, 2015; Yang et al, 2021). Additionally, reduction of male testosterone secretion and deterioration of secondary sexual characteristics have been observed after long‐term exposure to morphine which is also a risk substance of Papaveraceae (Li, Li, et al, 2019).…”

“…Astragaloside IV is maternally toxic at 1.0 mg/kg in rats and fetotoxic at doses higher than 0.5 mg/kg (Jiangbo et al, 2009). Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides can cause a reduction in sperm number by hindering the transformation of round spermatids into long spermatids and subsequently into spermatozoa (Li, Li, et al, 2019). Total saponin of Albiziae Cortex can terminate gestation by killing embryonic trophoblast cells (Zhou, 2009).…”

Protective role of autophagy in triptolide-induced apoptosis of TM3 Leydig cells

“…[2] In a long-term clinical observation, it has been found that reproductive issues associated with herbal therapies have increased recently, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders and cancer. [3] Triptolide (TP) is a major active ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, [4] which exhibits various biological functions, including immunosuppression, [5] antitumor activity, [6] antiinflammatory, [7] neurotrophic, and neuroprotective effects. [8] However, TP has many side effects that can cause damage to multiple organs.…”

“…[ 2 ] In a long-term clinical observation, it has been found that reproductive issues associated with herbal therapies have increased recently, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders and cancer. [ 3 ]…”