AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF OLIGOASTHENOZOOSPERMIA – A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Oligoasthenozoospermia (OA) syndrome, characterized by redced sperm count below 16 million/ml and reduced motility below 39%, is one of the major causes of infertility. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with shukradushti, where vitiation of vata and pitta doshas occurs, leading to impaired quality and function of shukra dhatu. Ayurvedic management involving shodana, shamana and rasayana therapies may improve semen quality and reproductive potential. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of virechana karma, uttarabasti and kustadi rasayana yoga in the management of oligoasthenozoospermia syndrome. Materials and Methods: A prospective, open- label, single-arm interventional case study was conducted on a 37-year-old married male presenting with primary infertility of seven years, associated with oligoashtenozoospermia confirmed by semen analysis. The intervention protocol consisted of Deepana pachana with trikatu choorna, snehapana with dadimadi ghrtia, virechana using nimbamrutadi eranda taila, followed by uttarabasti with shatavari ghrita. subsequently, shamana therapy comprising kushtadi rasayana yoga, kapikachhu ghanavati, was administered for 18 days. The total study duration was 36 days with a one-week follow-up. The semen parameters before and after treatment were compared. Results: Marked improvement was observed in semen quality and quantity following intervention. Semen volume increased from 1.5 ml to 2.0ml, sperm concentration improved from 14 million/ ml to 100 million/ml total motility increased from 25% to 70%. sperm morphology remained normal throughout the study. The subject also reported subjective improvement in general wellbeing and sexual health. Conclusion: The combination of virechana karma, uttarabasti and shamana rasayana demonstrated significant improvement in semen parameters in the case of oligoasthenozoospermia. The integrated ayurvedic approach may offer a promising therapeutic option for male infertility associated with shukra dushti. Larger controlled clinical studies are needed to validate these findings.