Therapeutic Approach to Oligospermia – A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.81103Keywords:
Ayurveda, Male infertility, Oligospermia, Panchakarma, Rasayana, VajikaranaAbstract
Oligospermia, defined as a sperm concentration below 15 million/mL, is one of the most prevalent causes of male infertility, contributing significantly to reproductive failure worldwide. Modern management often includes hormonal therapy, antioxidants, or assisted reproductive techniques, which may offer temporary relief but fail to address the underlying pathophysiological imbalance. Ayurveda, through its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, offers a holistic and root-cause-based approach aimed at restoring Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) and overall vitality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of an Ayurvedic treatment protocol involving Panchakarma (bio-purification), Rasayana, and Vajikarana therapies in improving semen parameters and general health in a clinically diagnosed case of oligospermia. A 35-year-old male presented with infertility for 3 years and was diagnosed with oligospermia based on semen analysis (sperm count: 8 million/mL; motility: 25%). The patient underwent a structured Ayurvedic treatment plan consisting of Purvakarma (pre-purification) with Deepana Pachana and Snehapana, followed by Virechana Karma using Trivrit Leha and Nasya with Anu Taila. Post-Shodhana, Shamana therapy was administered with Ashwagandha Churna, Kapikacchu Churna, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Shatavari Ghrita, and Chyavanprasha Avaleha for 90 days. Lifestyle and dietary modifications were also advised, including the consumption of milk, ghee, black gram, and stress-reducing yoga practices. After 90 days of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in semen parameters: sperm count increased from 8 million/mL to 28 million/ mL, motility improved from 25% to 55%, and normal morphology rose from 60% to 80%. Clinically, there was a notable enhancement in libido, stamina, and mental well-being. The patient reported improved energy levels, better sleep, and reduced anxiety. No adverse effects were observed during or after therapy. The Ayurvedic management protocol incorporating Panchakarma, Rasayana, and Vajikarana therapies demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving both quantitative and qualitative aspects of semen as well as overall vitality. The results suggest that Ayurvedic treatment can serve as a safe, natural, and holistic alternative for managing oligospermia by correcting Dosha imbalance, enhancing Agni, and nourishing Shukra Dhatu. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and establish standardized therapeutic protocols.
Downloads
References
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (6th ed.). Geneva: WHO Press.
Sharma, P. V. (Ed.). (2014). Charaka Samhita: Chikitsa Sthana 2/4 – Shukra Vaha Srotas Dushti Chikitsa. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia.
Shastri, A. D. (Ed.). (2016). Sushruta Samhita: Sharira Sthana 2/38 – Shukra Vardhana Mahima. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan.
Tripathi, B. (Ed.). (2018). Ashtanga Hridaya: Uttara Tantra 40/36–40. Delhi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan.
Sharma, P. V. (2010). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. 2). Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.
Tripathi, K. D. (2018). Essentials of medical pharmacology (8th ed.). New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
Thakur, M., Bhargava, S., & Dixit, V. K. (2012). Immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera aqueous extract in experimental animals. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 50(7), 539–544.
Bhatnagar, M., Sharma, D., & Salvi, M. (2014). The effect of Withania somnifera on reproductive function in male rats. Andrologia, 46(6), 621–626.
Ahmad, M. K., Mahdi, A. A., Shukla, K. K., Islam, N., & Rajender, S. (2008). Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by reducing stress and enhancing sperm quality. Fertility and Sterility, 90(3), 627–635.
Chauhan, N. S., & Rao, C. V. (2011). Tribulus terrestris enhances sexual behavior in male rats. Phytomedicine, 18(12), 1282–1286.
Thakur, M., Chauhan, N. S., Bhargava, S., & Dixit, V. K. (2012). Effect of Gokshura on sexual behavior and sperm count in rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 44(2), 243–247.
Sharma, H., Chandola, H. M., & Singh, G. (2019). Rasayana effect of Chyavanprasha in male infertility. AYU, 40(2), 101–107.
Joshi, D., Sharma, N., & Bhatnagar, M. (2017). Role of Shatavari Ghrita in improvement of semen quality. AYU, 38(4), 221–226.
Singh, R. H. (2010). Exploring issues in the development of Ayurvedic research methodology. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 1(2), 91–95.
Ghosh, S., Datta, S., & Mandal, T. K. (2013). Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha on oxidative stress parameters in male reproductive tissues. Phytotherapy Research, 27(9), 1404–1411.
Dhumal, S., Gajbhiye, N., & Khajuria, D. K. (2018). Ayurvedic Vajikarana dravyas and their effect on sperm parameters: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 225, 84–93.
Lingham, S., Anuradha, V., & Rao, C. V. (2010). Mucuna pruriens seed extract ameliorates oxidative stress in infertile men. Asian Journal of Andrology, 12(5), 693–697.
Dubey, R., Patgiri, B. J., Harisha, C. R., & Prajapati, P. K. (2016). Rasayana and Vajikarana herbs: Pharmacognostical and clinical insights. Ancient Science of Life, 35(4), 208–216.
Dhiman, K. S., & Sharma, P. V. (2012). Concept of Dhatu Poshana and its relevance in reproductive disorders. AYU, 33(3), 313–318.
Udupa, K. N., & Singh, R. H. (1973). The scientific basis of Rasayana therapy: A review. Journal of Research in Indian Medicine, 8(2), 95–103.
Debaje, & Mali. (2025). Therapeutic approach to oligospermia. 8(11), 14–19.

