Olive Leaf Extract and Male Fertility
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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We looked at the effects of olive leaf extract on spermatogenesis, oxidative stress, and testicular function, as well as the placental function of fetuses. These studies all support the use of olive leaf extract as a male fertility supplement. In the future, we hope to look at its potential as a supplement for men with low sperm quality.
spermatogenesis
A recent study evaluated the effects of olive leaf extract on spermatogenesis. The compound was also found to lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats. These results suggest that olive leaf extract may have an important role in normal spermatogenesis. Although further research is necessary, these findings should help guide treatment. In the meantime, olive leaf extract may prove to be a beneficial alternative to conventional spermicides.
In a recent study, olive leaf extract significantly reduced plasma membrane cholesterol and increased nitric oxide diffusion. This compound may improve sperm quality by increasing signaling. This is important since nitric oxide is crucial for adequate sperm motility. Moreover, olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects. To make the most of this beneficial effect, olive leaf extract can help improve sperm quality by reducing cholesterol levels in the bilayer membrane.
Sperm quality
Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract (OLE) can improve sperm quality in both males and females. The oleuropein content is a key factor in the antioxidant balance of the body and can inhibit oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of OLE on male sperm quality and antioxidant capacity in testis of rats exposed to rotenone.
For this study, a sample of sperm was suspended in 10 ul of a formalin-sodium-bicarbonate solution. The spermatozoa were counted using a light microscope and a coverslip. Then, the sperms were stained using a special dye and measured using a microscope. Sperms were graded according to their motility. Those with slow motility had a reduced chance of conceiving. Those with immotility had a higher risk of acquiring a genetic disease.
Testicular oxidative stress
The relationship between oxidative stress and testicular infertility has long been known. Researchers first discovered the presence of reactive oxygen species in washed human semen in 1987. This disturbance of the cellular antioxidant capacity and homeostatic balance is believed to be a contributing factor to the deterioration of sperm functional characteristics. Testicular oxidative stress and male fertility are closely related conditions.
In men, elevated levels of heat can cause an imbalance of hormones in the testes, leading to a decrease in testosterone production. Heat stress also disrupts the normal release of LH and GnRH from the anterior pituitary gland and increases serum cortisol levels. Heat stress also causes Leydig cell apoptosis and reduces testosterone biosynthesis in adult rat testes. Testicular heat stress also negatively affects the function of Sertoli cells and inhibits the production of androgen-binding proteins, spermatogenesis, and testosterone.
Placental function
Olive leaf extract has a positive influence on male fertility, since it increases the male's sperm count and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. Its active constituent, OleaVita, has anti-inflammatory properties and suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it inhibits the activity of NLRP3 inflammasomes, which are linked to the development of inflammation.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
The Olive Research Center of Aljouf University in Saudi Arabia was contacted by several researchers interested in the benefits of olive leaf extract to male fertility. The Olive Research Center is part of the Deanship for Postgraduate Studies and Research at the university. The research involved two different studies. One involved human males who were suffering from infertility. The researchers observed that olive leaf extract improved male fertility by enhancing the sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm count.
Oleuropein
Recent studies have shown that the compounds in olive leaf extract (OLE) can improve sperm quality. The study participants were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks before ovulation and then given OLE or CP. The combined treatment reduced the levels of glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR and decreased body weight and adipose tissue mass. Oleuropein and CP both significantly improved sperm quality in both groups, but the combined treatment had a greater effect.
Olive leaf extract increased antioxidant capacity in mice. This compound also decreased MDA and free radicals, improving sperm quality. However, the effect of olive fruit extract on sperm parameters was not consistent. The differences may be due to different dosage and duration of treatment. However, these studies suggest that olive leaf extract is not a viable substitute for human sperm. But this doesn't mean that olive leaf extract is useless.
Blood thinners
In the current study, we investigated the role of olive leaf extract in male fertility. Olive leaf extract has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and cardioprotective properties. The effects of olive leaf extract on sperm quality and antioxidant capacity of the testis were determined. Three doses of olive leaf extract were injected subcutaneously into 36 male Wistar rats. The control group received vehicle.
The leaves were collected from an olive tree farm in the city of Kazeroon, Iran, and authenticated by a scientific expert. The leaves were then processed through a mill and passed through a 300-mesh sieve. The plant extract was prepared by undergoing warm maceration with ethanol 80%. It was then concentrated and dried under vacuum. The ethanol extract was further dissolved in distilled water, and standardized to the highest quality.
