Ginger and fertility: effect on testosterone and sperm

Male fertility is declining in industrialized countries—ginger-brain-natural-nootropic-2026">sperm concentration has dropped by ~50% in 40 years according to some meta-analyses. Cortisol-natural">Ginger oxidative stress, inflammation and endocrine disruption are contributing factors. Ginger acts on all three fronts.

Ginger and testosterone

Clinical study on infertile men (Mares 2012)

An Iraqi randomized study (Al-Mares 2012) on infertile men administered 500mg of ginger extract daily for 3 months. Results:

• Increase in serum testosterone: +17.7% (p<0.001)
• Increase in LH (luteinizing hormone): +43%
• Improvement in sperm concentration: significant
• Improvement in motility: significant

Mechanism: Leydig cell protection

Leydig cells (in the testes) produce testosterone. Oxidative stress damages them. Ginger, thanks to its powerful antioxidants (gingerols, shogaols), reduces this testicular oxidative stress. Additionally, it inhibits local estrogens that hinder testosterone synthesis.

Ginger and sperm quality

Animal studies (and some human studies) show that ginger extract:

• Increases sperm count
• Improves progressive motility
• Reduces morphological abnormalities
• Protects sperm DNA against oxidative stress

Turmeric + piperine: reproductive synergy

Curcumin (with ×20 bioavailability via piperine in INTI) has its own effects on male fertility:

• ginger anti-inflammatory in the reproductive tract
• Protection of spermatozoa against lipid peroxidation
• Regulation of reproductive hormones via the HPA axis

Protocol for male fertility

• 1 INTI shot daily in the morning, for a minimum of 3 months
• Combine with a reduction in general oxidative stress (anti-inflammatory diet, moderate physical activity)
• Avoid INTI vs GIMBER comparison (34g sugar): excess sugar harms sperm quality via glycemic stress

Note: Male fertility is a complex medical subject. Consult a urologist or andrologist if you have difficulty conceiving.

Source: Al-Mares (2012), Saudi Journal of Urology.