Can carob improve sperm quality in men with infertility? Original paper

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, supplementation with carob improved some sperm quality parameters in men with infertility.

The effect of supplementation with carob on sperm quality parameters, sex hormones, and oxidative stress in the context of male infertility.

Specifically, the following outcomes were assessed:

• Sperm quality parameters (primary outcomes): sperm motility, semen volume, and sperm count
• Hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, and testosterone
• Malondialdehyde (MDA; a biomarker of oxidative stress)

A total of 236 men (ages 20–45) with infertility.

A meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials was performed. All of the trials were conducted in Iran. The daily dose of carob ranged from 800 mg to 1,500 mg. The comparator was vitamin E in 2 trials, a placebo in 1 trial, and pentoxifylline (a drug that may improve sperm quality) in 1 trial. The intervention duration ranged from 12 weeks to 3 months.

At the end of the intervention, sperm motility and sperm count were higher (better) in the carob group than in the control group.

The risk of bias was high in 2 trials and unclear in 2 trials.

The questionable methodological quality of the trials included in the meta-analysis reduces our confidence in the results. Also, the fact that all trials were conducted in Iran reduces the generalizability of the findings.