Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of scrotal veins, significantly contributing to male infertility. The plant Lycium barbarum, known for its high antioxidant properties, may enhance fertility quality. This study examines the protective and antioxidant effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on sperm health in patients with varicocele. In a double-blind clinical trial conducted in 2022 at Afzalipoor Hospital in Kerman, 80 patients with varicocele were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). After collecting demographic, blood, and semen samples, the intervention group received 400 mg of Lycium barbarum extract orally for two months, while the control group received a placebo. Blood and semen samples were re-evaluated 90 days post-treatment for markers such as Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Malondialdehyde, and Testosterone, as well as sperm health parameters. Before treatment, the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). The intervention group exhibited effective enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activity (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase). The intervention with Lycium barbarum resulted in a significant decrease in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Significant improvements in Testosterone level and sperm count, motility, and morphology, indicating the intervention's positive impact on male fertility indicators, excluding semen volume (P < 0.05). The volume of semen following the intervention with Lycium barbarum showed a slight increase post-intervention. In conclusion, the results suggest that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide has a positive effect on oxidative stress and sperm health. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to enhance the generalizability of these findings.
Keywords: Goji berry; Lycium barbarum; Oxidative stress; Sperm health; Varicocele disease.
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