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Regular consumption of pomegranate juice (PJ, 石榴汁) may have an effect on the quality and mobility of sperm, reported by a new research study lead by Gaffari Turk from Firat University in Turkey and also published in Clinical Nutrition.

The lead researcher says, “”The results of this study demonstrated, for the first time, that daily consumption of PJ for seven weeks caused increased spermatogenic cell density, epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility and decreased abnormal sperm rate related with decreased lipid peroxidation in male rats.”

For seven weeks, Turk’s research team conducted tests on 28 male Wistar rats by dividing them into four groups and allowed them to drink 1 mL of distilled water, 0.75 mL of water and 0.25 mL of PJ, 0.50 mL of water and 0.50 mL of PJ, and 1 mL of PJ daily for seven weeks.

The experiment suggested that PJ consumption can reduce the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, 丙二醛), which are a reactive carbonyl compound and end product of lipid oxidation. The effect of drinking PJ with respect to water decreased MDA levels by 48.5% in the serum and 63.5% in the sperm in the tests on rats.

“Spermatozoa are especially susceptible to peroxidative damage because of the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are involved in regulation of sperm maturation, [and] spermatogenesis,” explained the researchers.

They also pointed out that only a high concentration of PJ had a significant impact on sperm abnormalities, compared to PJ and water mixtures.

However, further study is needed to determine whether PJ has the same effect on humans, and the level of PJ concentration required to decrease human sperm abnormalities.

The current market has been increasingly confident on the health benefits of PJ as commercial advertisers are promoting PJ as improving heart health, prevent prostate cancer and reduce the chance of arthritis.

Source: Clinical Nutrition (Elsevier)

“Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on sperm quality, spermatogenic cell density, antioxidant activity and testosterone level in male rats”

Authors: G. Turk, M. Sonmez, M. Aydin, A. Yuce, S. Gur, M. Yuksel, E.H. Aksu, H. Aksoy

Herbal Medicine antioxidant, arthritis, cancer, lipid peroxidation, pomegranate, serum, sperm

Wolfberry (lycium chinensis, 枸杞子) is the fruits of the solanaceae plant family that has been used in common Chinese herbal medicines. It’s medicinal properties has been known to nourish the liver and strengthen the kidney, in addition to replenishing the eyes.

This tiny herb has driven a big impact in most parts of the world where the social norm has been shown to be resistant to Chinese medicine. Even famous celebrities such as Madonna, Elizabeth Hurley, and Mischa Barton have embraced the wolfberry with a positive attitude.

The “viagra fruit“

With the British supermarket Tesco stocking wolfberries in the dried health supplemens and promoting them as the “Fruit Viagra”, the acceptance of wolfberries for the mass majority has only been increasing. It is thought to contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than steaks.

Wolfberries can be eaten without peeling the skin. The suggested average daily consumption of these fruits is around 10 to 30 grams should be enough. The beta-carotene properties in wolfberries can effectively prevent heart disease and cancer, while providing protection against damages from sunlight.

Experts suggest receipes for wolfberries

Dietitians says, “Wolfberries are an extraordinary fruit, but other considerations have to be awared firsthand, such as your body weight, amount of fat intake, type of fat intake, … and eat more high fiber foods. Your diet should be balanced and comprehensive.” Health experts suggest to try combining wolfberries to any sorts of ordinary household receipes.

They don’t come cheap

Compared to apples and oranges made in England, the price of wolfberries isn’t cheap after being exposed on the shelves of British supermarkets. However, the sales figures have been unexpectedly well. Most consumers prefer to eat them as snacks in combination with other nuts, sunflower seeds and grain bars. The commerically advertised health benefits have been different for some; while a lot of consumers say it can promote sexual drive, some have reported no significant difference in this aspect.

Herbal Medicine beta carotene, cancer, fiber, iron, kidney, liver, lycium, solanaceae, tesco, viagra, wolfberry