Why Onion and Zobo can treat infertility in men

Infertility is one of the major health problems among couples. Approximately 30 per cent of couples with infertility can be traced to male factors. Several conditions can interfere with sperm development and reduce sperm quality and production. Many factors, such as drug treatment, chemotherapy, toxins, air pollution, and insufficient vitamin intake, may have harmful effects on the process of sperm development and the normal production of sperm. In the last few years, a marked decrease in the quality of semen has been reported and this has led researchers to try to seek a solution to conditions and problems that affect sperm production and quality as a way of helping men with infertility. Infertility in men in most cases is as a result of either poor sperm formation or poor motility. Fertility and good libido in men essentially require good blood circulation and there are certain foods that can help you improve blood flow to the genitals, protect the health of sperm as well as ensure good production of quality sperms. Researchers reported that diets that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and E are very helpful in ensuring quality sperm. Onion (Allium cepa) is commonly used in our daily diet and has recently been the source of much interest because of its many medicinal properties for hypertension, diabetes and a natural antibiotic from nature. Research has shown that onion contains antioxidants such as selenium, vitamins A, B, and C, and flavonoids. There are proofs, according to Iranian researchers supporting the health benefit of onion bulb juice on sperm quality. In their evaluation of the effect of onion bulb juice on sperm production in the journal, Folia Morpholology, they reported that freshly prepared onion juice significantly affect the sperm number, percentage of viability, and sperm motion because of the increase in the production of testosterone. Testosterone, or male sex hormone, plays a key role in developing and maintaining masculine sexual organ, and promotes secondary sexual characteristics, including the appearance of facial hair, sexual desire, and sexual behavior. Testosterone helps to build protein and is essential for normal sexual behavior and producing erections. In investigating the effect of the fresh juice of onion bulbs on the process of sperm cell development in rats, 30 wistar male rats were used. The fresh onion juice was administered for 20 consecutive days to 20 of these rats while the remaining 10 served as control animals. The fresh juice of onions was prepared using a fruit juice extracting machine. The animals were kept in standard conditions. On the twentieth day, the testes of rats in all groups were removed and sperm was collected from the epididymis (sperm count) and was prepared for analysis. According to the 2009 study findings, it seems that using 4 g/kg of freshly prepared onion juice is effective in sperm health parameters. The researchers opined that the effects of onion on sperm number, percentage of viability, and motility could be related to vitamins, vitamin C, and flavonoids of onion such as quercetin. Quercetin, an important flavonoid, has a beneficial effect on health due to its antioxidant function. Vitamins C and E are well known antioxidants that can help protect cell from damage and could improve sperm health parameters, increasing the rate of fertility in men. In 2008, the protective roles of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium-induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage was pointed out by scientists at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. The scientists were Drs. Kikelomo F. Ola-Mudathira; Stephen M. Suru: Michael A. Fafunso; Udoka E. Obioha and Toyin Y. Faremi and this was published in the journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology. From their study, they were able to demonstrate that aqueous extracts of onion and garlic could proffer a measure of protection against the damaging effects of toxins and air pollutants like cadmium on sperm quality and sperm formation. Meanwhile, other herbs that have been suggested to help with poor sperm formation or poor motility include pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are naturally high in zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. Eat pumpkin seeds to help maintain a healthy reproductive system. Traditionally, zobo is commonly used for its anti-hypertension properties. Ginger is used world wide as a spice. The combination of the two has become a popular refreshing but medicinal drink. It is usually prepared adding other fruits like cloves, lime and pineapple to make a reddish drink. The popular zobo drink may also offer relief for male infertility. The Asian Journal of Andrology published the discovery made by Amir Amin and Alaa EldinA Hamza of the Department of Biology, United Arab Emirate University, which shows that both Zobo and Ginger treatment can help to restore sperm motility of sperm. In the study involving rats under laboratory conditions, administration of either Zobo or ginger attenuated the cisplatin- induced reduction of sperm count and motility and also protected against sperm abnormality changes. Previous studies by Nigerian researchers showed how extracts of Tribulus terrestris increase the testosterone (male sex hormone) level of the blood. Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is

commonly called devils thorn, puncture vine, caltrop, yellow vine and goat head. In Nigeria, it is dareisa in ArabicShuwa, tsaiji in Fula-Fulfulde, hana taakama in Hausa (prevents swagger, in allusion to its thorns piercing the feeta common expression) or tsaida (to stop because if a thorn pierces the foot one must stop to extract it), kaije in Kanuri, tedo by the Koma people of Adamawa State and da ogun daguro in Yoruba. They suggested that the aqueous extracts may thus be used to modify impaired sexual functions in humans due to their saponin components. Testosterone supplementation has previously been shown to improve sexual function and libido, in addition to the intensity of orgasm and ejaculation, which might also be expected to improve. Naturally Vitamin C rich foods like guava may be as effective at fighting infertility. caused by clumping as pharmaceuticals. Other C rich foods include bitter melon, rose hips, peppers, and watercress. Also, nuts, peanut butter, salad dressings and vegetable oils are also good sources of vitamin E, that helps fight infertility in men. Zinc increases sperm count. Sources of Zinc include spinach, cucumbers and oyster.