The Impact of Curcumin on Sperm Parameters in Men: A Systematic Review
-
Fatemeh Rashidi
,
Sepideh Hajian
,
Mojgan Zarei Salehabadei
,
Fatemeh Alahverdi
,
Fatemeh Kermani
,
Zohre Keshavarz
Abstract
Male infertility accounts for 50% of infertility cases among couples. Medical treatments may have side effects; while curcumin has been explored as a therapeutic option due to its antioxidant properties and fewer side effects. This study assessed the effect of curcumin on sperm parameters. This systematic review focused on experimental human studies, searching databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, as well as trial registration databases including trialsearch.who.int and clinicalTrials.gov. Additionally, Persian databases like SID and Magiran were searched up to August 2024, without any time or language restrictions, using keywords related to ″male infertility″, ″sperm analysis″, ″sperm freezing″, and ″curcumin″. The quality of the studies was assessed using the valid and reliable tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for semi-experimental studies. This systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Totally, out of 537 identified studies, 11 studies remained that aligned with the objectives of the current research. The results of the systematic review indicated that curcumin, at doses exceeding 200 micromoles, inhibited sperm motility; while lower doses enhanced it. Furthermore, under oxidative stress conditions resulting from freezing, curcumin improved both sperm motility and viability. Curcumin, as a potent antioxidant, can enhance sperm motility, viability, and DNA integrity; while at higher doses, it may act as a contraceptive agent. Its effects are dose- and time-dependent, and it may help reduce oxidative stress and damage associated with sperm freezing. Further clinical studies are recommended to explore the practical application of curcumin in the treatment of infertility.
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| Issue | Vol. 11, No. 2, 2026 -In Press- | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Curcumin Sperm analysis Male fertility Infertility Polyphenol | ||
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